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THE 


PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


FRANZ HOFFMANN. 

i>- 


TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN 


REV. CHAS. A. SMITH, D. D. 



LUTHERAN PUBLICATION SOCIETY. 
1880. 




■‘, 4 ' 



m 



COPYRIGHT: 

1880. 


INQUIRER P. & P. CO., 
STERKOTYPERS AND PRINTERS, 
LANCASTER, PA. 


CHAPTER I. 


Page. 


The House and the Family 7 

CHAPTER II. 

An Unexpected Call 22 

CHAPTER HI. 

Mr. Meierheim Visits the Parsonage 33 

CHAPTER IV. 

The Adventures of Uncle Kurt 47 

CHAPTER V. 

How Uncle Kurt left Amsterdam 62 

CHAPTER VI. 

On Shipboard 76 

CHAPTER VII. 

Among Pirates, 94 

( 5 ) 


6 


CONTENTS. 


Pack. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Uncle Kurt ends his Story, and Pastor Gotthold begins 
his 109 

CHAPTER IX. 

Trials of Student Life 127 

CHAPTER X. 

Day Follows Night 144 

CHAPTER XI. 

A Morning Walk 159 

CHAPTER XII. 

The Count of Waldersee 171 

CHAPTER XIII. 

All’s Well that Ends Well 185 

CHAPTER XIV. 

The Pastor Loses His Flowers 199 

CHAPTER XV. 

Surprises of all Kinds 209 



THE 


PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


CHAPTER I. 

THE HOUSE AND THE FAMILY. 

IBENAU is situated about six miles from 



^ the city. It is a handsome, friendly-look- 
ing village, and quite large. The dwellings 
are somewhat isolated and scattered in a broad 
valley, through which a babbling stream finds 
its way. Each cottage has its own fruit and 
vegetable garden, and stands in the midst of 
flower-beds so brilliant with the hues of spring 
or early summer as to arrest the steps of the 
traveler, who looks with amazement at the 


( 7 ) 


8 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


beautiful fuchsias, verbenas and roses that are 
visible through the latticed fences and green 
hedges. 

‘‘Such flowers in a village!” has the stranger 
often been heard to say to himself, quite un- 
able to account for the unusual phenomenon. 
But if he passes on, the riddle will be solved. 
The road runs by the church, and at last leads 
to the parsonage; and here it needs but a 
glance through the graceful lattice to discover 
the cause of all that he has seen on the way, 
without further investigation or thought. It is 
evident that the pastor of Libenau is a friend 
and lover of flowers. His large garden is en- 
tirely devoted to their cultivation. Not only 
do roses, pinks, verbenas and fuchsias impart 
their brilliancy to the finely-arranged beds, but 
many rare and costly plants from foreign coun- 
tries are also found there, a circumstance re- 
garded by the connoisseur with the more 
pleasure, because he does not expect to find 


THE HOUSE AND THE FAMILY. 9 

them in this secluded corner of the earth. 
The affection of the good pastor for these 
lovely forms has awakened a like fondness in 
others ; and here in the garden of the parson- 
age is the example that has led many others 
to surround their dwellings with flowers which 
one expects to find only in the conservatories 
of great cities. 

The stream already mentioned formed on 
one side the boundary of the piece of ground 
that belonged to the parsonage. Along the 
bank of this stream the path led to extensive 
vegetable gardens, and beyond these lay mead- 
ows and fields that joined the park of a palatial 
country-seat. A beautiful villa was built upon 
the breast of a hill, and afforded an uninter- 
rupted view of the whole valley to the more 
distant mountains. These were overgrown 
with splendid oaks and maples, and encircled 
the attractive landscape. 

The villa belonged to a rich banker by the 


lO 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


name of Meierheim, who used it as a residence 
for his family during the most pleasant months 
of the year, whilst he himseff, fettered by his 
business, could only spend the Sundays there. 
The pastor and his family did not stand in the 
most friendly relations to their wealthy neigh- 
bors. They did not trouble themselves about 
the poor minister, and the poor minister did 
not intrude where he would not have been 
welcome, and at best would have been received 
with cold politeness. So each staid at home, 
and there was no regret on either side. The 
Bankers — as the occupants of the villa were 
called at the parsonage — received calls enough 
from the city to enable them to dispense with 
all other society; and the brave pastor, Ephraim 
Gotthold, was so busy during the spring and 
summer with his flowers, that he did not long 
for anything outside of his garden. His wife 
Elizabeth ruled and managed indoors, where 
there was always enough to do in providing 


THE HOUSE AND THE FAMILY. 


II 


for the bodily wants; and the children, Wil- 
helm, Friederike and Conrad, were either at 
their books, or assisted their father and mother 
in their work when their help was required, or 
they were prompted by their own desires. 
Meanwhile, the inmates of the parsonage fre- 
quently saw the Bankers at a distance, when 
they came with their visitors from the city, 
and promenaded through the grounds of the 
park, but a nearer acquaintance did not follow. 
The young people wondered at the finely- 
dressed, distinguished persons of rank, and at 
times envied for a moment their not less beau- 
tifully decorated children as they walked stiffly 
and proudly beside their parents; but when 
they disappeared behind the bushes and trees, 
they were soon forgotten. Out of sight, out 
of mind, was the way it went with the children 
of the parsonage ; and their envy never rose so 
high as to make them discontented with their 
own plain and simple mode pf living. 


12 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


“Oh, yes,” Conrad was accustomed to say, 
“fine clothes are indeed beautiful, but if one 
cannot run around and jump in them, and if 
one must always be anxious about them for 
fear they will get dirty or torn, I am thankful 
for my smock-frock, and prefer it, because it is 
firm, and strong, and light.” 

The others spoke in like manner — and in 
autumn and winter, when the beautiful villa 
stood empty, and the Bankers with bag and 
baggage and servants had returned to the city, 
very little was said about them. Only the 
pastor let a significant word drop now and 
then. 

“It is a pity that we have not different 
neighbors,” said he one day in the fall of the 
year, as the time was approaching when he 
would have to shelter his tender plants from 
the severe cold of winter. 

“And why a pity, dear husband ?” said his 
wife Elizabeth. 


THE HOUSE AND THE FAMILY. 1 3 

“ Can you not guess the reason ?” replied he, 
while he cast an anxious look towards his 
favorite flowers, that might be destroyed by 
the frost of a single night. “ The Bankers 
have a splendid conservatory. If it belonged 
to some one else, then ’’ 

‘‘Well, what then?” 

“ Only look a moment, mother, at these four 
or five hundred pots ! It is very plain that we 
must make some provision to carry them 
through the winter. At the Bankers’ there is 
room enough in the conservatory to accommo- 
date them all, and another neighbor might 
grant me the privilege of making use of it. 

But the Bankers ” a decided, desperate 

shake of the head ended the sentence. 

“And have you ever requested anything of 
the kind ?” interposed the pastor’s wife. 

“How should I ?” replied the pastor with a 
shrug. “ The people up there are so proud, 
so cold, so remarkably repellent, that one has 


14 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

not the courage to make a request. And be- 
sides, if I were to do it, what would I gain. 
At most the reply would be, ' My dear pastor 
Gotthold, I do not trouble myself about such 
small matters; speak to my gardener.’ And 
what then? You know very well that the 
•gardener has been for a long time envious of 
me, because in spite of his conservatory, and 
in spite of the large sums of money the Bank- 
ers have paid for heating, and for bulbs, plants, 
and seeds of various kinds, he has not been 
able to get the start of me. Yes, that vexes 
him. When a lover of flowers comes from the 
city, and remains with me for hours, but 
hastens away from the place up yonder after 
being there only a few minutes, it is quite 
likely that he wishes my flowers all possible 
evil ; and thus you can readily imagine how he 
would receive me, if I were to ask for a small 
space in his glass house in which to winter my 
beautiful plants. No, it would be of no use, 


THE HOUSE AND THE FAMILY. 1 5 

mother. We must only manage through 
another winter, and let the utmost care, and 
faithful nursing compensate for the lack of a 
suitable place. I have always succeeded pretty 
well, but — it may be practicable some day — ” 
What may be practicable, Gotthold ?” 

‘*Why, a green-house, mother. Don’t be. 
alarmed. I do not intend anything as magnifi- 
cent as the Bankers have; O no, my thoughts 
do not reach as high as that. No — only a 
pretty little thing that will hold a few hundred 
pots containing the most tender plants, the ca- 
mellias, the rhododendrons, and such like. 
Yes, that is my wish ; and then you will see 
real splendor, mother, when I bring out my 
camellias the following spring. And the gar- 
dener up yonder will open his eyes in amaze- 
ment. But, of course, this cannot be realized 
for a less sum than from sixty to eighty 
thalers, and how to save so much money out 
of four hundred thalers salary, with our four 


1 6 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

children, is a question I cannot answer. I 
know already what you will say, mother. 

* Great thoughts and bold projects like these 
you must abandon at once; the hole in the 
ground with the glass covering will answer 
this winter, if during the severest weather you 
get up a few times oftener at night, and see 
that everything is safe.’ ” 

The pastor’s wife shook her head quietly, 
but sadly. *‘Ah, yes! alas, yes, it will not 
answer, dear Gotthold,” said she. “ I would 
like very much to save a few groschen during 
the summer, even if it cost great self-denial, 
but — when the winter comes there will be the 
most pressing necessity for warm clothing, and 
for all the provisions required for housekeep- 
ing, and at present — I see already that our in-' 
come will leave nothing over for the green- 
house, much as it pains me that you will not 
be able to gratify this cherished wish.” 

The pastor smiled good-naturedly, and ten- 


THE HOUSE AND THE FAMILY. 1/ 

derly pressed the hand of his wife, who at- 
tempted to wipe away, unobserved, the tear 
that trembled on her cheek. “ Dear Eliza- 
beth,” said he, “ do not lay these serious 
thoughts to heart. I will manage to get 
through the winter, so that the next summer 
will yield us as many flowers as the last. All 
I mean is that it would be very pleasant if we 
had agreeable neighbors at the villa ; or if, at 
least, the Bankers would remain here during 
the winter, so that we would have time to be- 
come better acquainted ; or if even the gar- 
dener up yonder were a little more obliging ; 
then everything might remain here as it is, and 
I would not allow it to bring gray hairs. And 
now, never mind, mother. Wishes that can- 
not be indulged must be banished from the 
thoughts.” 

“Ah, yes, dear Gotthold,” replied the wife ; 
“ if there were no anxiety greater than that 
felt for the flowers and the greenhouse, then 
2* B 


8 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


all would be well. But there are the children 
— think for a moment of the children.” 

“ What is the matter with them, Elizabeth ?” 
inquired the pastor, with a newly-awakened 
interest. 

“ Is it necessary, dear Gotthold, that I 
should tell you? Wilhelm is already in his 
sixteenth year, and Conrad in his thirteenth, 
to say nothing of Friederike. A girl who is 
honest and industrious, and whose head is not 
turned by the world’s follies, will be able to 
take her way through the world ; and as long 
as we two live, dearest, Friederike may lend 
me a strong and cheerful helping hand, and 
thus save us the expense of a servant. But 
the two boys, Gotthold ! You do not want to 
bring them up to manual labor; and if Wil- 
helm is ever to enter the sacred office, as we 
have fondly hoped and planned, then it is high 
time that he went to school in the city.” 

‘‘That is true, mother; unfortunately too 


THE HOUSE AND THE FAMILY. 1 9 

true!” said the pastor, musingly, and shook 
his gray locks. “But how shall he be sup- 
ported in the city ? It costs a great deal, for 
the city is a dear place, and the half of our 
small income would be hardly enough to pay 
for his schooling, clothes and board. And 
though we were to make the sacrifice without 
murmuring or complaining, how would it be 
possible, mother, to make ends meet with the 
other half of our allowance ?” 

Now it was again the turn of the pastor’s 
wife to shake her head. “ The shoe would 
pinch very hard, dear Gotthold,” replied she, 
“ but it must be done, nevertheless. We must 
hold on to our few groschen, and learn to deny 
ourselves this and the other superfluity. But 
then there is Conrad, too. When he is as old 
as Wilhelm, what then ?” 

The pastor sighed, for indeed he could think 
of no expedient that would solve this ques- 
tion, and a cloud of sadness flitted over his 


20 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


gentle but truly noble countenance. For 
awhile he remained silent, and with folded 
hands, a picture of quiet resignation, looked 
upon the ground. But it was not long before 
he lifted his eyes again, turned his look toward 
heaven, and said, tenderly, Dear Elizabeth, 
why do we trouble ourselves about the coming 
day, or the coming year ? Have we not a 
loving Father in heaven ? And do you not 
remember the beautiful hymn of Paul Gerhard, 
which reminds us of God’s eternal and inex- 
haustible goodness and care ? Do not be 
anxious before the time, mother !” 

Then he repeated a verse of the hymn in a 
manner so expressive of the strongest confi- 
dence in the unchangeable, ever-watchful, pa- 
ternal love of God, that the mother’s anxiety 
was scattered in a moment like mist before the 
sun. Quieted, and almost joyful, she clung to 
her husband, and printed a hearty kiss upon 
his smiling lips. “You have found the right 


THE HOUSE AND THE FAMILY. 


21 


source of comfort, dear Gotthold,” said she, 
deeply moved. “ We should put our trust in 
him who feeds the young ravens when they 
cry, and clothes the lilies of the field. He will 
do all things well.” 

Both were yet standing in a warm embrace, 
and speaking to each other words of hope, 
encouragement and joy, when the house-door 
opened, and a tall lad, with a gentle, handsome 
face, entered the garden in great haste. It was 
Wilhelm, the pastor’s eldest son. 



CHAPTER 11. 

AN UNEXPECTED CALL. 

HERE is a visitor at the door, father,” 



^ exclaimed Wilhelm, when yet at a dis- 
tance. "‘A strange gentleman asked for you, 
and wished very much to speak with you a 
moment.” 

“ Then bring him here into the garden, Wil- 
helm,” replied the pastor composedly. “ It is 
quite certain that the stranger is a gentleman 
from the city, who has heard of my little 
flower-treasures, and wishes to see them in 
riding through the place. It is indeed some- 
what late in the season, but I can still show 
him many that will please him very much. 
My china-asters, for example, and my dahlias ; 


( 22 ) 


AN UNEXPECTED CALL. 


23 


yes, there are some beautiful specimens left. 
Why do you not hurry, Wilhelm, and bring 
the gentleman here ? ” 

“ Father, the stranger made no allusion to 
your flowers,” replied Wilhelm, “ he only in- 
quired very urgently for you, asked your name, 
and your Christian name, and when I told him 
he turned towards an olive-complexioned man 
who accompanied him, and who seemed to be 
his valet or something of the kind, and said a 
few words to him in a foreign tongue, at which 
he Vubbed his hands, as if greatly pleased. 
No, father, he has not come on account of the 
flowers; he has come only on your account. 
He also gave Conrad, and Friederike and me 
a strange look, as if he wanted to search us 
through and through ; so that I was very 
much confused, and hastened to call you. 
Only come quick, dear father, for the gen- 
tleman is certainly not an ordinary visitor from 
the city.” 


24 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


Nevertheless, Wilhelm, he must see my 
garden, whether he wants to or not,” said his 
father, smiling, “so conduct him here to me. 
If he has any business with me, he can trans- 
act it here as well as in the house ; and 
besides, in the open air he can speak more 
freely from the heart than between four walls. 
Go, child; go and do as I tell you.” 

Wilhelm obeyed, and hastened back into 
the house. 

“ There must be something very peculiar 
about this stranger,” said the pastor to 'his 
wife; “the boy seemed quite perplexed, and 
almost frightened.” 

‘ “ We will soon see,” replied the wife, not 
without a flush of curiosity. “ There he 
comes, and Wilhelm with him, and an olive- 
complexioned man following, and Friederike 
and Conrad, too. Well, really, I am eager to 
know what all this means. What a stately 
old gentleman! He has noticed you — only 


AN UNEXPECTED CALL. 25 

see how he quickens his pace. Do you know 
him, Gotthold ?” 

** No,” replied the pastor, “ I have no knowl- 
edge of him whatever ; but we will soon ” 

There was no time to finish the sentence, 
for the stranger was approaching with hurried 
steps, whilst he fastened his sharp, piercing 
eyes upon the mild countenance of the pastor, 
who now advanced towards him. Each gave 
the other an eager, penetrating look. 

With whom have I the honor ?” at 

length inquired the pastor in a courteous tone, 
after they had stared at each other for about 
a minute. 

The stranger roused himself as if waking 
from a dream, drew his hand over his forehead 
and eyes, straightened himself, and said slowly 
and smilingly, in a voice to which he tried in 
vain to impart firmness : “ Friederich Ephraim 
Gotthold, beloved pastor of Libenau, I ask 

you whether, in looking at me, wonderful 
3 


26 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


pictures do not rise before the eye of your 
soul?” 

The good pastor started back. The extra- 
ordinary words, the evident emotion of the 
stranger, his searching gaze, his altogether 
unusual appearance, gave rise to the thought 
that possibly he might not be altogether in his 
right mind. But there was really nothing in 
his manner or countenance to encourage this 
suspicion; whilst the half good-natured, half 
roguish smile that played around his mouth 
would not admit of it at all. Nevertheless, 
the pastor was somewhat shy. 

“ But, sir,” he stammered, “ for what reason 
do you address me in this manner?” 

“For what reason, most honorable Fried- 
erich Ephraim ? Can you not guess the rea- 
son ? Do you not find in this sunburnt face 
a single feature that reminds you of old times ? 
Oh! Friederich Ephraim I Only look straight 
at me, think back many years, imagine yourself 


AN UNEXPECTED CALL. 


27 


in the days of your youth again, recall the 
native village, the ivy in the garden, the trout 
stream ! Do you still find it impossible to 
guess, Ephraim ?” 

The good pastor stood as if petrified ! 
What did this strange man know of his youth, 
of the ivy and the trout stream ? His counte- 
nance awakened no recollections — he did not 
know him. 

Then the stranger laughed, while, at the 
same time, two bright tears rolled over his 
sunburnt cheeks; and, stretching out his arms, 
he said, in a voice broken with emotion : “ Oh, 
you forgetful Ephraim ! Then I must stir up 
your indolent memory with a sharp goad. 
Speak, man ! Who was it that thumped you 
soundly with his fists when you were young, 
and in occasional disputes pulled out your 
hair by the handful ? Who was it whom you 
loved tenderly, nevertheless, and, at the risk 
of your own life, pulled out from under the 


28 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

ice when he had broken in ? Who was it 
whose bed you did not leave during the sick- 
ness that followed? To whom did you bring 
the earliest flowers and fruit out of your little 
garden ? Speak out, if you know ! And if 
you do not know, then you are not, cannot be 
my old, loved Ephraim any longer.” 

The good pastor became deathly pale while 
•the stranger was talking to him in this man- 
ner. He trembled from head to foot, he 
struggled for breath, tears started from his 
eyes, whilst he listened, amazed, and seemed 
eager to catch every word that fell from the 
lips of the stranger; and when at length the 
individual, who was now to him a stranger no 
longer, ceased to speak, he flung himself into 
his open arms, and with the loud cry, “ Kurt ! 
Kurt ! My brother ! ” hung upon his neck, 
almost fainting from mental agitation. 

For a long time the two remained locked in 
each other’s embrace, whilst the pastor’s wife 


AN UNEXPECTED CALL. 29 

and the children looked upon the moving 
spectacle through their tears, and even the 
olive-colored attendant drew his hand fur- 
tively over his eyes. 

‘‘Thou art he! Yes, truly, thou art he!” 
said the worthy pastor, as he stood at arm’s 
length before his brother, and read his counte- 
nance. “Yes, oh yes, now I recognize more 
and more in your looks the Kurt of former 
days. Those are the sharp, flashing eyes ; that 
is the bent Roman nose ; that the half-ironical, 
half good-natured, laughing mouth. Only 
time has made furrows and lines of which 
there was once no trace, and the full locks that 
once rolled down your shoulders in shining 
brown curls, have become somewhat bleached. 
Look here, Elizabeth I Look, children I This 
is Kurt, my brother, who was supposed to be 
dead, but whom, after many years, God has 
led back to my arms and home. Bid him 
welcome to our cottage.” 

The pastor’s wife held out her hand to her 
3 * 


30 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

brother-in-law, with a frank, friendly smile; 
and the children, though still somewhat timid, 
gathered around him. Uncle Kurt used little 
formality with them. He hugged and kissed 
them all after he had shaken the offered hand 
of his sister-in-law with warm cordiality. 

“Yes, yes, I am he;” he then said; “ I am 
the wild, unmanageable Kurt, who, after many 
years and wanderings through the wide world, 
have at last come home again, to find a little 
spot in my native land, where I can spend in 
peaceful rest the remainder of my days. I 
see, brother Ephraim, that you are happy in 
the circle of your loved ones. Tell me 
whether there is room at your hearth for a 
weary wanderer like me.” 

“ Most certainly, brother Kurt,” answered 
the pastor, “ not only at our hearth, but in our 
hearts.” 

“And how is it with my sister-in-law ? Will 
the foreign intruder be a welcome guest to her 
likewise ?” 


AN UNEXPECTED CALL. 


3 


“ My husband’s brother is also my brother,” 
responded the pastor’s wife ; “ and it will afford 
me heartfelt joy if you consent to share with 
us our little pleasures, as well as our little 
sorrows, anxieties, and cares.” 

'‘Yes, indeed, that I will,” said Kurt. “I 
will share everything. I feel already quite at 
home among you, and nothing could befall me 
better, I am sure, than to become a member 
of your family circle. I have not returned 
altogether empty-handed, and without being 
exactly rich, I still possess ample means to 
prevent my becoming a burden to you. It is 
understood then, brother, that you will allow 
me to remain under your roof” 

“ With all my heart ; and beg you to do so, 
Kurt,” replied the good pastor. “That you 
well know without my saying it, and it requires 
no further assurance. My dear Elizabeth will 
soon arrange matters so that there will be 
room for us all in our somewhat narrow 


32 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

accommodations. You must occupy the cheer- 
ful corner room that looks out upon the 
garden.” 

“And which, until now, was certainly your 
room, brother Ephraim,” said Kurt, laughing. 
“ I well remember that gardening was always 
a passion with you.” 

The good pastor was a little embarrassed. 
“ Well yes, well yes, it was my room,” replied 
he. “ But my few wares can be soon removed, 
and I know of no better place for you. As 
for myself, I am provided for already. You 
know, Elizabeth, I can occupy the small attic 
room.” 

“ Not so, sister,” interrupted uncle Kurt. 
“ My good brother cannot by any means be 
disturbed. And besides, any place is good 
enough for me and my servant Bio. Silence, 
brother! Let me arrange the matter with 
your wife, or I will return at once to the vil- 
lage inn. Come, dear sister, we will manage 
things entirely to our own liking.” 



CHAPTER III. 

MR. MEIERHEIM VISITS ‘ THE PARSONAGE. 

1 ''HE pastor’s wife knew how to devise 
ways and means at the spur of the 
moment. A pleasant little room with a bed- 
room adjoining was soon made ready for the 
welcome guest, and uncle Kurt expressed his 
entire satisfaction with the arrangement. 

“ When one has had to put up with a ship’s 

cabin for months, this seems like a paradise,” 

said he. “ And besides,” he added, we will 

have everything convenient in time. For the 

present, Bio,” turning to his servant, “ do you 

return to the city, and to-morrow see that the 

* baggage is brought out here, and do not forget 

to call on the banker Meierheim. You know 

on what business.” 

C 


( 33 ) 


34 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


*‘Yes sir,” answered the servant with a 
bow, and in a somewhat foreign accent, “ I 
will make all possible haste.” 

“ But do not be too hasty,” said the pastor. 
“ It is not an hour since I saw the banker in 
the park, and if you have business with him 
you can find- him nearer than the city. Wil- 
helm can walk over, and tell him that you 
wish to speak with him.” 

“ Ah ! Is the villa, of which I heard in the 
city, in the neighborhood ?” asked uncle Kurt, 
with an expression of surprise. ‘‘ All the bet- 
ter, all the better. Then you can spare your- 
self the trouble of calling on him. Bio ; and if 
Wilhelm will be so kind, Gotthold, as to re- 
quest the gentlemen to come here, it is quite 
likely that the business can be transacted far 
more expeditiously than in the city.” 

The good pastor was not a little amazed, 
and looked, indeed, very much frightened. 
“Ask Mr. Meierheim to come here?” said he. 


MR. MEIERHEIM’s VISIT. 35 

“ You mean, doubtless, that Wilhelm should 
mention your name, and request the privilege 
of your calling at the villa. Not so, brother?’* 

“ By no means, dear Ephraim,” replied 
uncle Kurt, in an off-hand, careless way. “ I 
mean that I want Wilhelm to run up yonder 
as fast as he can, and request Mr. Meierheim 
to call on me.” 

“ That he will never do, brother,” exclaimed 
the pastor. “ What are you thinking of? The 
rich banker ! He would treat my poor boy 
with no little severity.” 

‘‘Ah! How so, Ephraim? You are very 
near neighbors, I see. And it seems to me 
that you ought to be good neighbors.” 

“ Unfortunately, it is as if we had never 
been neighbors at all, but lived a hundred 
miles apart,” replied the pastor. “ It has long 
been among my most cherished wishes to 
have a neighbor somewhat more affable and 
obliging. But I fear this wish will remain a 
wish as long as I live.” 


36 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

Hem ! Who knows ?” replied uncle Kurt. 
“At all events let Wilhelm spring, and say to 
Mr. Meierheim that Mr. Van Buren, of Palem- 
berg, desires to have a brief conversation with 
him. Do you hear, Wilhelm ? Van Buren, 
of Palemberg ! And go without any fear, my 
boy ; for you will receive no other than the 
most civil treatment.” 

Wilhelm was about to obey the mandate, 
but his father held him back. 

“ Van Buren ? Van Buren ?” he inquired. 
“ Who is he ? Surely, brother Kurt, you do 
not intend to bring us into trouble with our 
neighbor ?” 

“ Not at all,” replied the uncle, laughing. 
“ Go, only go, Wilhelm. Mr. Van Buren, in 
whose name I have some business to transact 
with Mr. Meierheim, is a very good friend of 
mine.” 

“ Well, go then, my son,” said the pastor, at 
last. “ I am myself curious to know whether 


MR. MEIERHEIM’s VISIT. 37 

your message will allure the banker over here. 
I still doubt it, Kurt. I have often requested 
him only to come and look at my flowers ; but 
the invitation has always been coldly declined, 
and to this day the rich gentleman has not 
crossed my humble threshold.” 

“ He will come now, brother Ephraim ; I 
give you my word for it,” said Uncle Kurt, 
with calm assurance. “ But as I have some 
matters of importance to arrange with him, I 
must beg my sister to let me have the use of a 
room for this purpose.” 

“ My study, brother Kurt, is at your service. 
There you will be altogether undisturbed,” 
said the pastor. “ But — but — I do not believe 
that he will come.” 

We will see,” replied Uncle Kurt ; “ I, for 
my part, do not entertain the least doubt. 
You, Bio, need not wait any longer. Go to 
the city, and attend to the business of which I 

have spoken. And listen !” 

4 


38 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

He went a few steps aside, whispered some 
words to which Bio listened attentively, and 
then wrote something on a piece of paper, 
which he took from his pocket-book, and 
handed to his servant, who, with a respectful 
Bow, . disappeared. Then, whilst Uncle Kurt 
was talking pleasantly with his sister-in-law, 
and with the children, who had gradually 
become inspired with confidence, the pastor 
walked to and fro in his garden, considerably 
agitated, and from time to time cast sharp and 
anxious glances toward the park, where he 
expected every moment to see Wilhelm re- 
turning, sad and humiliated. But suddenly he 
stopped, utterly amazed, and gave expression 
to his surprise by crying out : 

“The banker, as sure as I live! And in 
the most familiar conversation with my Wil- 
helm I ” 

“ I told you so, brother Ephraim,” replied 
Uncle Kurt, without manifesting any surprise 


MR. MEIERHEIM’S VISIT. 39 

whatever. ^‘And you will allow me to take 
him into your study ? ” 

“ Certainly, certainly, brother Kurt ; but 
this is wonderful ! He is coming in deed and 
in truth ; and that, too, with the most friendly 
face in the world. Brother, I begin to think 
that you must be a sort of conjuror.” 

“ The trick is not so difficult as it appears 
to you, brother Ephraim,” said Uncle Kurt, 
laughing, “and the secret will be explained, 
when, by and by — perhaps in a very few days 
— we again talk over the matter. But here 
is Mr. Meierheim himself” 

The rich banker was indeed approaching 
with all haste, and at the distance of at least 
twenty paces courteously took off his hat, in 
doing which he seemed to have eyes only for 
uncle Kurt, who bowed slightly. 

“ I have invited you here in regard to the 
business already known to you,” said he ; 
“ and if you will accompany me to the study 


40 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

of my brother, pastor Gotthold, I hope we will 
soon come to an understanding.” 

The banker looked utterly astounded. 
“ How, most honored sir ? Our worthy pas- 
tor your brother?” stammered he; and again 
made a very low bow, but this time to the 
pastor and his family. I am much rejoiced 
to hear this, though I cannot explain it to 
myself” 

I will make it all plain, sir,” said Uncle 
Kurt, quickly. Now, if it is agreeable, we 
will talk about business. Wilhelm, you will 
show us your father’s room.” 

The boy obeyed promptly, the banker with- 
drew from the presence of the pastor with 
another low bow, and then followed Uncle 
Kurt into the study, who shut the door after 
him. 

Well, let him understand this who can !” 
exclaimed the pastor, full of amazement. 
‘‘Kurt is certainly a conjurer, or Mr. Van 


MR. MEIERHEIM’s VISIT. 4 1 

Buren, in whose name he comes, must be a 
man of high standing in the world, when even 
his representative makes Mr. Meierheim so 
unusually polite to us. I am not over-curious, 
you know, mother — but yet I would give 
something to know what is going on between 
those two in my quiet study.” 

“ Perhaps you will know after a while, dear 
husband,” replied the pastor’s wife, smiling. 
“Your brother promised, you remember, to 
explain the riddle in a few days. And besides, 
what is there remarkable about it ? Mr. Van 
Buren is doubtless a very wealthy merchant, 
and your brother Kurt, as his agent, has some 
very important business to transact with the 
banker Meierheim. I see nothing very won- 
derful in that. A far greater wonder to me is 
the unexpected, the unhoped-for return of 
your brother, whom we had long supposed to 
be dead. I am heartily glad that he is here. 

His manners please me. He has something 
4 * 


42 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

SO positive, and at the same time so humor- 
ous aind good-natured in his whole appearance, 
that I am already on the most friendly terms 
with him.” 

“And I too! I too, mother!” exclaimed 
the children. 

“ How glad he was when you at last recog- 
nized him ! ” said Wilhelm. “ The bright 
tears stood in his eyes.” 

“ And how affectionately he drew me to his 
breast ! ” said Conrad. 

“And how kindly he patted my cheeks,” 
added Friederike. “ Say, father, whence did 
this good, kind uncle come so suddenly ? ” 

“Ah, child, now you ask me more than I 
can answer,” replied the pastor. “ I hope he 
will tell us himself this evening, now that he 
has come to abide with us. I myself am wait- 
ing with the most intense expectation, to hear 
what he is about to relate to us. For nearly 
thirty years, I have neither seen him nor heard 


MR. MEIERHEIM’S VISIT. 


43 

from him. What happened before that can be 
related in a few words. Our dear father wished 
Kurt, as well as myself, to be a minister, but 
this calling did not suit the lively and aspiring 
disposition of my brother ; and he plied father 
so long with entreaties and tears, that at last 
he obtained consent to become a merchant. 
He went to Hamburg to learn the business, 
and four years later went to Amsterdam, and 
sent word from there that everything was going 
on well ; but since then, all tidings concerning 
him have ceased. Father wrote a long time 
after to Amsterdam, with the hope of obtaining 
some information ; but the answer revealed 
nothing, except that Kurt had disappeared 
without leaving any traces of his whereabouts. 
We heard nothing more from him. It was 
not known whether he was dead or alive, and 
we considered him dead until, he appeared 
to-day in his own person, as if he had dropped 
from the skies, to assure us, to our great joy. 


44 the parsonage of libenau. 

that he is alive and well. His return has 
made me perfectly happy.” 

It was evident that this feeling was shared 
by the rest, and all waited impatiently the 
return of uncle Kurt ; for they were anxious 
to hear, as soon as possible, the relation of all 
he had experienced. But a long time elapsed 
before the business with the banker was 
brought to a close, and the pastor concluded 
that very important matters must have been 
settled in his small study. At last, at the end 
of two long hours, uncle Kurt and the banker 
again entered the garden. The banker ap- 
peared somewhat excited ; uncle Kurt, how- 
ever, showed no sign of agitation, but smiled 
quietly, as if perfectly satisfied with the result 
of the interview. After a few courteous words 
Mr. Meierheim withdrew, and now the chil- 
dren surrounded their uncle with all the im- 
petuosity of their newly awakened love. 
Their father checked them, however, for hs 


MR. MEIERHEIM’s VISIT. 


45 


wished to have a quiet talk with his long- 
absent brother, and to learn all the particulars 
of his past history. 

This evening, dear Ephraim,” replied uncle 
Kurt, smiling, when his brother intimated his 
wish. “ This evening, after we have finished 
our supper, you shall hear all about my wan- 
derings. But for the present permit me to 
become better acquainted with your dear wife 
and children.” 

The pastor assented, and uncle Kurt en- 
gaged at once in earnest conversation. The 
unrestrained prattle of the children seemed to 
please him exceedingly; and before an hour 
had passed, they were all as familiar with each 
other as if uncle Kurt had lived in the parson- 
age for years. Pastor Gotthold was greatly 
delighted at this warm meeting of heart with 
heart; but he was still more delighted when 
his wife announced that the evening meal was 
ready, for the moment that was to gratify his 


46 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

impatient curiosity was now at hand. After 
full justice had been done to the cooking, 
uncle Kurt had to seat himself, without 
further delay, in the pastor’s easy chair, and 
fulfill his promise to relate his experience in 
foreign lands. Nor did he resist any longer, 
but took the offered seat, while the rest gath- 
ered round him on footstools and chairs, and 
all eyes were fixed upon him with intense ex- 
pectation. 



CHAPTER IV. 

THE ADVENTURES OF UNCLE KURT. 

T ISTEN, good people,” began uncle 
Kurt, smiling, when he noticed how 
intently every eye was fastened upon him ; 
“ if you think I am going to tell you all sorts 
of wonderful and unheard-of exploits, you 
will, in all probability, be very much disap- 
pointed. The events of my life are not more 
remarkable than many others have exper- 
ienced, and if there is any thing in them to 
interest you, it will be due, I am certain, to 
the regard you entertain for me ; which is a 
matter of no little importance to myself, I 
assure you. 

“ I will pass over the years of my youth as 
( 47 ) 


48 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

rapidly as possible, for you have already 
learned from brother Ephraim that our father 
was a country clergyman in very moderate 
circumstances ; that we were both brought up 
in a small country village, and educated by 
our father, who loved us dearly. We some- 
times teased each other, and sometimes quar- 
reled, in spite of our mutual affection. My 
good father wished us both to tread in his 
footsteps, and, like him, to proclaim the Word 
of God from the pulpit. Our gentle Ephraim 
assented with all his heart to this desire, which 
was entirely in accordance with his temper and 
inclinations. I, however, could not endure the 
thought of remaining at home, nor did I fancy 
the sacred calling. I wanted to see the wide, 
wide world. My imagination reveled amid 
the wonders of India ; and I longed to visit 
America, and become acquainted with strange 
men and strange countries, and there to seek 
my fortune. Whenever I expressed this desire, 


ADVENTURES OF UNCLE KURT. 49 

my father shook his head, and I soon per- 
ceived that he did not at all favor my plan. 
* Remain at home, and devote yourself to some 
honorable pursuit,’ he used to say. ‘ Why 
seek elsewhere that competence which God 
confers upon every one who labors for it in 
the right way and with persevering effort? I 
have not known many men who ever acquired 
fortune or contentment by wandering in foreign 
lands.’ 

“All this was said with a loving regard for 
my welfare ; but neither entreaties nor warn- 
ings could stifle or dampen the wish that had 
taken complete possession of my soul. My 
thoughts were afar off, beyond the sea, and I 
felt strong enough to endure all the adversi- 
ties and hardships to which the accomplish- 
ment of my plans might expose me. My 
good father was persuaded at last that I was 
not at all fitted for a quiet, circumscribed, con- 
templative life ; and mother used all her influ- 
5 D 


50 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

ence to favor my wishes, because she thought 
it was wrong to force pursuits upon me for 
which I had no taste, and with which I would 
never be satisfied. In her last illness she be- 
sought my father not to lay a yoke upon me 
which I would find hard to bear, and this re- 
quest of hers settled my destiny. Father 
promised to seek for me a sphere suited to my 
temperament. 

This promise he fulfilled. There lived in 
Hamburg a merchant who had been a youth- 
ful friend of his, and who was engaged in a 
'prosperous and lucrative business, which ex- 
tended to distant countries. To him he wrote, 
and begged his assistance on my behalf. He 
mentioned in the letter that I wished to devote 
myself to mercantile pursuits, and that he 
could do nothing better for me than to avail 
himself of the friendship of one whom he had 
loved, when they were both young, as a 
brother. An answer was received from Ham- 


ADVENTURES OF UNCLE KURT. 5 1 

burg by return of post. It was short, and to 
the point. 

I am glad to know,’ wrote my father’s old 
friend, ' that you still hold me in remembrance. 
Send your Kurt to me, and with God’s bless- 
ing I will make a man of him. He shall not 
cost you a shilling, for I know well that you 
country pastors have nothing to spare. I send 
five Louis d’ors for his journey, and the affec- 
tionate greetings of your old friend Roemhild.’ 

“ That was the whole of the letter, every 
word of which impressed itself indelibly upon 
my memory. * He is still the same,’ said my 
father, as he handed me the letter, while the 
tear that started from his eye revealed his deep 
emotion. ‘ Go, Kurt ! And I hope you will 
honor the confidence of my friend, and the 
lessons you have learned from me.’ 

“ ‘ Yes, that I will, father !’ replied I, greatly 
affected. ‘ Mr. Roemhild shall have no reason 
to complain ; I will do my whole duty.’ 


52 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

“ Without further delay the necessary prep- 
arations were made for my departure. My 
few effects were packed in a small trunk, and 
despatched on the following day to the nearest 
town, where I was to take the post-coach and 
pursue my journey. 

“ ‘ Fear God, do right, and be afraid of no 
one.’ This maxim my father gave me on the 
way, for the regulation of my future life. 
With tears which yet flowed when we reached 
the town, I took leave of him and my brother; 
and many days passed before I recovered from 
the grief occasioned by my separation from 
those to whom I was bound by a love of 
whose fervor I had no previous conception. 
The first thing that relieved the bitterness of 
my thoughts and emotions was the sight of 
the splendid, wealthy city, whose commerce 
extended over the whole world. The throngs 
of human beings, the magnificent rows of 
buildings, the forests of masts belonging to 
the ships in the harbor, all this astonished me. 


ADVENTURES OF UNCLE KURT. 53 

Although but sixteen years old, I felt neither 
timidity nor a sense of my own littleness at 
the sight of these busy crowds and all this 
splendor, and was conscious of nothing but 
joy at the prospect of having my future cast 
amid these exciting scenes. Stepping from 
the post-coach, I shouldered my small trunk 
without ceremony, and inquired for the com- 
mercial house of Mr. Roemhild, which after a 
few turns I managed to find without a guide. 
In high spirits I entered the store which the 
name of the firm over the door told me was 
the right one, and at once approached the in- 
dividual who seemed to be chief among the 
many clerks, and requested him to direct me 
to Mr. Roemhild. The man stepped a little 
aside and looked towards an elderly gentle- 
man, who in turn fixed his sharp eyes upon 
me, and then advanced quickly towards me. 

“ ‘ Who are you ? What is your name ?’ 
said he, promptly and decidedly. 

5 * 


54 the parsonage of libenau. 

“ ' Kurt Gotthold !’ replied I, quite unintimi- 
dated by his positive manner. 'Are you Mr. 
Roemhild ?’ 

‘""-^es, I am, and am glad that you have 
come. Carried your own trunk ? From the 
post-office here ?’ 

" ' Certainly,’ replied I. 'As it had no legs, 
I had to carry it.’ 

"'Good! You know how to help yourself. 
I see already that you are not a spoiled boy. 
How is your father?’ 

" ' He is well and cheerful, sent his compli- 
ments, and gave me this letter for you. And 
now, where shall I put my trunk, that I may 
lend a helping hand ?’ 

" ‘ Do you feel it necessary to go to work at 
once ?’ inquired Mr. Roemhild, smiling. 

"‘Yes,’ said I. 'My father did not send 
me here to be idle. He charged me to show 
myself worthy of your confidence, and I want 
to do my whole duty.’ 


ADVENTURES OF UNCLE KURT. 55 

Mr. Roemhild looked more and more 
pleased. ‘ I see already that we will be on 
good terms with each other/ said he, after a 
searching look that seemed to enter my very 
soul. ^Adolph, show this young man his bed- 
room. Here you can put your trunk, Kurt, 
and the rest of the day you can do what you 
please. To-morrow you will commence busi- 
ness.’ 

‘‘Adolph, one of the younger clerks, led the 
way to a small room. Here I placed my 
trunk upon the floor, unpacked it, put my few 
effects in a clothes-press and some drawers, 
and then returned to the store. 

“ In one corner I found a boy pasting some 
bags. As I knew of nothing better to do, and 
did not want to be idle, I offered to help him. 
Very soon I became as expert at the work as 
he, and before long a large pile of finished 
bags lay before me. When Mr. Roemhild 
came out of the counting-room, and saw me 
and the bags, he smiled again. 


56 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

^ Bravo !’ said he, as he passed me. ^ I see 
more and more plainly, that we will get along 
together.* 

“ Well, to make the story short, I can truly 
say that we did get along together, and that 
most excellently. I hated idleness, and very 
soon took a lively interest in my calling. Mr. 
Roemhild kept a strict eye upon me, and 
showed me much kindness. It pleased him 
that I was not ashamed of any sort of work, 
but gave my best strength, cheerfully, to what- 
ever presented itself. He treated me like a 
son, let me into the secrets of his speculations, 
and reposed in me the most unlimited confi- 
dence. Thus I learned to prize the little man, 
and began to understand the importance of 
those commercial transactions which promote 
the intercourse of the most widely separated 
nations and countries, for the best interests of 
all. And now I pursued my calling with 
redoubled zeal, for I knew that it would enable 


ADVENTURES OF UNCLE KURT. 5/ 

me to be useful to my fellow- men. Mr. 
Roemhild was no mere shop-keeper ; he was a 
true merchant^ with far-reaching views and a 
penetrating mind. His business relations ex- 
tended to the East and West Indies, to 
America, from the extreme South to the 
extreme North, and even to China and Kam- 
schatka ; and yet he did not abandon the retail 
trade. Many a time have I seen him weigh a 
few ounces of coffee or sugar for a servant 
girl, with the very hands that had just laid 
down the pen with which, in a few words, he 
had sent thousands of dollars to Cuba, or 
Brazil, or Calcutta. 

“ One day I took the liberty of expressing 
my surprise at this. 

‘“You think I ought to close up my retail 
business,’ replied he. ‘Well, I could easily 
do it without any great injury to myself; but, 
Kurt, the retail store has made me what I am, 
and therefore it shall be held in honor as long 


58 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

as I live. And remember once for all, Kurt, 
a merchant who does not regard the little, will 
never reach the great; for with small stones 
men construct large buildings, and out of 
pennies and shillings they gather dollars. It 
is because I have not forgotten this, that I 
weigh out to-day a few ounces of sugar with 
as much pleasure as I did years ago, when I 
first began business in a very small way. Do 
you understand me now ?’ 

“ I understood him well, and my respect in- 
creased for the man who knew how to take 
hold of the smallest matter with the same 
energy and zeal with which he managed the 
greatest. 

I was with Mr. Roemhild four years, and 
would have remained longer, had not he him- 
self constrained me to leave. 

“ One day he came to me with a letter in 
his hand, led the way into the room, and in a 
few decided words gave me to understand that 


ADVENTURES OF UNCLE KURT. $g 

I must pack my clothes and go to Amster- 
dam. I was greatly agitated, for I thought at 
first that perhaps I had in some way incurred 
his disapprobation. But noticing my perplex- 
ity, he soon put my fears to rest. 

“‘You do not suppose, my dear Kurt, that 
I am sending you away because I am dissatis- 
fied,’ said he. ‘ Not by any means. You 
have learned all you can learn with me, and 
you ought to know how business is conducted 
out of Hamburg. For this purpose Amster- 
dam is the right place. Verboekhoven and 
Company want a correspondent, and have re- 
quested me to recommend a suitable person. 
The place is worth two thousand gulden a 
year, and you are well fitted for it. To-mor- 
row you must leave.’ 

“ ‘ But I need not and will not,’ answered I. 
‘ I would rather remain with you and serve 
you, as I have been doing, than to accept of 
the large salary in Amsterdam.’ ” 


60 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

Mr. Roemhild smiled. ‘You shall serve 
me again hereafter, Kurt,’ replied he, laying 
his hand upon my shoulder, and looking me 
lovingly in the eyes. ‘ You shall return to me 
at the end of two or three years ; but for the 
present it is best you should go. You must 
not let your partiality for me prevent your 
going out into the world — you must go for 
my sake. For you must know that I have a 
real affection for you, Kurt, and with every 
year the separation will be harder for me. 
Therefore let there be no delay. To-morrow 
you must go ; and at the end of three years, 
if you still think of old Roemhild, you can 
return and remain. Let there be no more 
words now. What is determined is deter- 
mined.’ 

“ There was no longer any room for argu- 
ment ; and when I considered the matter in all 
its bearings, I felt that Mr. Roemhild was 
right. A merchant must not be one-sided; 


ADVENTURES OF UNCLE KURT. 6 1 

he must become acquainted with the world 
and men from all sides. The separation was 
hard enough ; but I carried with me the 
assurance that in three years I might return. 
What were three years ? How rapidly would 
they pass ! I embraced Mr. Roemhild for the 
last time; he kissed me, and pushed me gently 
from him. 

“ The book-keepers and clerks, and even the 
porters and errand-boys, took friendly leave of 
me. I really think I had not a single enemy 
among them all, for our intercourse had al- 
ways been pleasant and kind. In the harbor 
lay the vessel ready to sail, and only waiting 
for a favorable wind. Scarcely was I on board 
when the last anchor was raised, and in half 

an hour we had left Hamburg far behind us. 

6 



CHAPTER V. 

HOW UNCLE KURT LEFT AMSTERDAM. 

“TT7HEN I reached Amsterdam, I was 
' ^ received by Verboekhoven and Com- 
pany with great kindness, and had the good 
fortune in a short time to secure the confi- 
dence of my new employers. About a year 
after my arrival in Amsterdam they made me 
a proposal to accompany one of their ships, 
heavily laden with costly merchandise, to the 
East Indies, there to dispose of the cargo, and 
return to Amsterdam with the products of 
India. 

“After all that I have told you of my ardent 
desire to see the world, you msy well suppose 

that I assented to this proposition with both 
(62) 


HOW UNCLE KURT LEFT AMSTERDAM. 63 

hands. With a joyful and restless zeal I 
attended to the packing and shipment of the 
goods that were to be entrusted to me, and 
worked on the ship until late at night. The 
preparations for our departure were almost 
completed, and I hoped that in two or three 
days we would weigh anchor, when an un- 
looked for occurrence made a great change in 
my calculations. 

“ It happened on a dark night, as I was 
returning from the vessel, to seek the rest and 
vigor of sleep after the severe labors of the 
day. The captain tried to persuade me to 
spend the night on shipboard, rather than take 
the long and lonely walk home ; but I thank- 
fully declined his offer to make room for me 
in his own cabin, because I had to finish some 
important writing early the next morning, 
after which it was my intention to return to 
the ship and complete the preparations for our 
long voyage. 


64 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

“ So I took a boat, soon reached the shore, 
and walked rapidly in the direction of my 
home. But I was not to reach it. Scarcely 
had I gone three hundred paces from the 
landing when I felt a heavy blow on my head, 
which deprived me of consciousness. When I 
awoke from the swoon, I found myself in the 
dark hold of a ship, which I knew by the 
rocking motion and the dashing of the waves 
against the side. My head smarted, my limbs 
were stiff and lame. I remembered the blow I 
had received, and the conjecture that I had 
fallen into the hands of unscrupulous kidnap- 
pers filled me with consternation. 

“ It was not long before this conjecture was 
confirmed. 

“ Heavy steps approached my prison, the 
only name I could give to the dark hole in 
which I was confined, and soon a man with a 
ship’s lantern entered. With eyes expanded 
to their utmost, I stared at him. He was tall 


HOW UNCLE KURT LEFT AMSTERDAM. 65 

and muscular, with a heavy beard, little sharp 
sprightly eyes, a robust frame, and fists that 
might have felled an ox. 

“ ^ Oho ! ’ he cried out to me, ‘ we have 
come to our senses again, and can talk a 
rational word to each other. Do you know, 
my lad, where you are ? ’ 

“ ‘ On a ship, I think,’ was the answer I 
gave. 

‘ Quite right, quite right ! ’ said he, with a 
rough laugh. ‘You are really more knowing 
than I supposed. Yes, yes, you are in a ship, 
and, at the same time, in the direct way to 
Borneo.’ 

“ ‘ But, what have I to do here?’ asked I. 
‘Why have I been abused in this way, and 
dragged violently here ? What is wanted of 
me ? I do not understand the reason of my 
having been seized and treated in this manner.’ 

“ ‘ You shall understand it, my boy,’ replied 

the fellow — ‘ and that, too, at once. Listen to 

E 


6 * 


66 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


me, behave like a reasonable lad, and we two 
will become very good friends.’ 

“ With these words he set the lantern upon 
an empty cask, squatted down near it, and 
related to me as calmly as if he were speaking 
of the most indifferent matter, the circum- 
stances of my unfortunate adventure. 

‘ In the first place you must know, my 
boy,’ said he, ‘ that I am the captain and owner 
of this ship, which is now honored with your 
company. Two weeks ago I entered the har- 
bor of Amsterdam from the coast of Africa, 
laden with ivory and other costly things, but 
with only half the number of men required by 
the ship for its proper nvinagement. This 
was occasioned by a fever that broke out on 
board, and deprived me of my best hands. I 
soon disposed of my cargo ; but other men, in 
the place of those I had lost, I could not ob- 
tain, though I made every effort. Now, you 
see, nothing remained but the adoption of vig- 


HOW UNCLE KURT LEFT AMSTERDAM. 6/ 

orous measures; and as the offer of earnest- 
money did not succeed, it became necessary to 
use a little force. There was no help for it. 
Go I must, for I was expected in Borneo ; and 
so I lay in wait a few nights near the harbor 
with the bravest of my boys, and you were the 
last one taken to make up the required num- 
ber of men. We brought you on board and 
set sail. It remains for you to say whether 
you will join in and work voluntarily, or 
whether I shall be compelled to use force. 
You will act most prudently if you do not let 
matters come to this extreme, because, in 
plain words, obstinacy will only subject you to 
great unpleasantness. So then, make the best 
of a bad joke, and we will be boon com- 
panions.’ 

I shuddered, of course, at the prospect of 
being compelled to labor for months among 
unprincipled and rough sailors ; but a brief 
consideration of the real state of affairs con- 


68 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


vinced me that it would be best to submit to 
what was inevitable. Yet I determined to 
make an effort, at least, to recover my freedom 
on certain conditions. 

‘ Listen to me, captain,’ said I, after brief 
deliberation. ‘You have made a poor capture 
in taking me, for I know nothing about a sea- 
faring life, and can therefore be of little use to 
you. If then you will restore me to liberty, I 
promise you a large ransom, which shall be 
punctually paid, and pledge myself besides to 
make no complaint against you. We cannot 
be far yet from the coast — turn about, put me 
ashore, and then say what the ransom shall be.’ 

“The captain shook his head, ‘It will not 
do,’ replied he. ‘ If I were to near the land 
again, they would have me by the ears ; and 
besides, I cannot spare a single hand from the 
ship. Perhaps, my boy, when we reach 
Borneo, I will listen to your offer of the 
ransom, for there I may find some one to 


HOW UNCLE KURT LEFT AMSTERDAM. 69 

take your place ; but at present I cannot think 
of it for a moment. Spare your words, and 
say plainly whether you will serve willingly, 
or whether you prefer to be compelled.’ 

“ ‘ But, captain, I understand nothing, abso- 
lutely nothing, about the service.’ 

“ ^ We will soon teach you everything neces- 
sary, so do not be concerned,’ replied he. 
‘ Declare your intention, then, quickly, for we 
have no time to spare.’ 

‘‘There was evidently no room for further 
delay. My reason told me that it would be 
more prudent and more manly to be resigned 
to what was unavoidable, than to resist with 
powerless obstinacy. 

“ ‘As there is no help for it, captain, I sub- 
mit,’ said I. ‘ Of my readiness to obey you 
shall have no reason to complain. Under all 
circumstances I will do my duty, but ignor- 
ance and awkwardness you must not lay to 
my charge. I am yours, until you declare 
yourself ready to negotiate my ransom.’ 


70 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

“ ‘ Brave, my boy ! Truly brave !’ said he, 
and extended to me his rough, brawny hand. 
"Let us seal the bargain! You have made 
the best choice, and my word for it, you shall 
not repent. The others cried and threatened, 
and you are the only one who is reasonable. 
This shall not be forgotten. And now come 
on deck. We will look to your head, and 
put a bandage around it if necessary.’ 

“All at once the man seemed completely 
changed. At first gloomy, fierce, and repul- 
sive, he was now all kindness ; and I congrat- 
ulated myself on my prompt and unqualified 
compliance, which had inclined him so decid- 
edly in my favor. He took me by the arm, 
led me on deck, supported me when I stag- 
gered, and placed me before his men, a com-^ 
pany of as rough-looking fellows as I had 
ever seen. 

“ ‘ Boys I ’ cried he, in a voice of thunder, 
"look at this lad. He remains with us will- 


HOW UNCLE KURT LEFT AMSTERDAM. J\ 

ingly, and my will is that he shall be well 
treated. Mark you — and woe to him who 
treats him otherwise.’ 

“ The fellows grinned and laughed, and 
muttered some unintelligible words, that did 
not seem to me a good omen, as the captain 
led me into his cabin. Here my head was 
washed and bound up, and thus the pain was 
greatly alleviated. In a few days I was well 
and strong again, so that I was able to begin 
my forced voluntary service. The captain 
appointed me an assistant of the pilot, who 
was to instruct me, and with as much tran- 
quillity and self-command as was possible in 
my strange position, I entered upon my new 
calling. 

The good will of the captain I already 
possessed ; all that remained was to conciliate 
the men, a task which seemed rather difficult. 
But I had already laid my plan, and inasmuch 
as I had at once to associate with them, carried 
it out promptly. 


72 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

“ ‘ Listen, boys !’ said I to them. ‘Although 
I am not here of my own free will, neverthe- 
less I am here, and wish to be on good terms 
with my new comrades, and to share with 
them their good or evil fortune. That I am 
in earnest, I will convince you. Here is my 
whole property — it consists of thirty ducats. 
I hand them, over to you, and am now poorer 
than any one of you. In return, I beg you to 
assist me in carrying out my determination to 
become a good sailor. I have paid my tuition 
fee with the last penny I possess.’ 

“ The fellows looked and winked at each 
other, and then muttered as when the captain 
first introduced me to them. But this time 
their words seemed less menacing, and I soon 
perceived that my proposal had made a favor- 
able impression upon them. After they had 
whispered awhile among themselves, the pilot 
suddenly approached me, and shook hands. 

‘“Well said, my boy!’ was his salutation. 


HOW UNCLE KURT LEFT AMSTERDAM. 73 

‘Your talk has pleased us, and we accept 
your ducats as your pledge. Besides, you 
must know that you would have been required 
to deal out your ducats as you have done, for 
that is the custom when a new recruit comes 
among us. But we have seen your good will, 
and you will soon be assured that good will 
towards you will not be wanting on our part. 
What is your name ?’ 

“ ‘ Kurt Gotthold.’ 

“‘Now then, a hurrah for Kurt, and from 
this hour good fellowship.’ 

“A loud hurrah from twenty rough throats 
sounded over the deck, and twenty hard rough 
hands were held out to me. The contract was 
sealed, and I was an equal among equals. 
The resolute course I had adopted saved me 
from many annoyances, as I afterwards dis- 
covered, when I saw the poor fellows who had 
been captured like myself subjected to the 
meanest kind of service. I was not only left 


7 


74 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


in peace, but was treated with great respect, 
and many a heavy burden was made light in 
consequence of the real attachment of these 
heretofore rough sailors. I was very careful, 
of course, not to forfeit this partiality. Always 
ready and cheerful, I shunned no kind of 
work ; and, as the result of my willingness to 
learn, it was not long before I was able to 
make myself truly useful. The captain was 
satisfied with me, and the men, when they saw 
that I fully shared their work and toil, treated 
me with marked kindness. 

“ Thus we reached Borneo, where we were 
to discharge our cargo. Here there was much 
to be done, and I observed that the captain, 
however good a seaman he might be, knew 
very little about business. Of book-keeping 
and business management he had no knowl- 
edge whatever, and hence arose many mis- 
takes and much confusion. 

“‘Captain,’ said I to him one day, ‘there 


HOW UNCLE KURT LEFT AMSTERDAM. 75 

must be an end to this, if you would not be 
imposed upon and cheated in every direction. 
Let me put things in order a little. I am a 
merchant, and know something about busi- 
ness.’ 

“‘A thousand thanks, my boy,’ replied the 
captain. ‘ I see myself that I am not getting 
along very well ; and therefore your offer is 
doubly welcome.’ 

“ The goods were now soon sold in a busi- 
ness-like way, others were purchased and 
taken on board, and a regular account was 
given of all. The captain realized large profits, 
and had the prospect of still greater gains in 
the sale of the new shipment. 

“ ^ Kurt, my boy,’ said he, as he locked up 
the profits in his chest, ‘ you are too good for 
a common sailor. I name you my supercargo, 
and you shall mess with me. You can fix 
your own pay, if you do not prefer a percent- 
age of the profits.* 



CHAPTER VI. 

ON SHIPBOARD. 

‘ ‘ T)LEASANT as was my new position on 
^ board the ship in some respects, it 
could not compensate for the loss of my free- 
dom. Instead, therefore, of assenting at once 
to the captain’s offer, I rerninded him of his 
having led me to hope that on our arrival at 
Borneo he would accept a ransom, and give 
me my liberty. But of this he would not hear 
a word. 

“ ‘ That cannot be now, Kurt,’ said he. 
quickly interrupting my words. ‘ Even if I 
could have spared you as a sailor, I cannot do 
it now since you have become my supercargo. 
No, be reasonable, my boy! What can you 
(76) 


ON SHIPBOARD. 


77 


want more? You have the highest position 
on the ship next to mine ; and besides, I will 
make your duties so easy that you will be 
satisfied to remain with me.’ 

“ I saw, indeed, that it was best for me to 
assent. I had really the same position that 
was designed for me with Verboekhoven and 
Company, and I thought on the whole that, 
for the present, I could do nothing better than 
to remain where I was, and become thoroughly 
acquainted with life in the East India waters. 
The captain proposed to go to China and 
Japan, and perhaps return to Europe in the 
course of a year, and stop at Hamburg. This 
quite settled my purpose. The name Ham- 
burg had a magic charm for me. Till our 
arrival there I would remain with the captain, 
but then would bid the ship farewell, and 
return to my old friend Roemhild, who, I 
doubted not, would receive me with open 

7 * 


arms. 


78 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

‘^So we agreed, the captain and L Good 
pay, and a profit on the business, was prom- 
ised me; and as supercargo of Captain Hol- 
berg, I agreed to make the voyage to China 
and Japan. 

“ I wrote home from Borneo, and afterwards 
from Canton and Batavia, narrating what had 
happened to me, and requested answers to be 
sent to Sumatra, where we expected to remain 
a considerable time before our return to 
Europe. But no answers to my letters were 
received, and I was compelled, therefore, to 
believe that they did not reach their destina- 
tion. I heard, however, at Sumatra, of the 
death of my dear old friead Roemhild, through 
a business firm with which he was in corre- 
spondence, and with which Captain Holberg 
also was connected. This news affected me 
deeply; it seemed indeed as if I had lost a 
father. My desire to return to Hamburg 
quickly vanished. Nevertheless, I agreed to 


ON SHIPBOARD. 79 

make the homeward voyage with Captain 
Holberg, on condition that he would dismiss 
me from his service at Hamburg as soon as 
business matters were there put in order. My 
intention was then to spend a couple of weeks 
with my good father, and afterwards hasten to 
Amsterdam, where I hoped again to find a 
position with Verboekhoven and Company. 

“ This was all well and wisely planned, but 
the result was ordered otherwise. On the 
third day after our departure from Sumatra, 
we encountered several Malayan pirate-ships, 
which immediately gave us chase. A conflict 
with these well-manned and well-armed vessels 
was not to be thought of, for they could have 
sunk us at the first encounter. Nothing re- 
mained therefore but prompt flight, for which 
the necessary preparations were at once made. 
Fortunately for Captain Holberg, there was a 
sharp wind, which we used to the best of our 
ability. Every foot of sail the ship could 


8o 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


carry was spread, and with unspeakable de- 
light we soon discovered that we were more 
than a match for our pursuers. It was not 
long before we felt assured of our escape, 
when another pirate vessel, which had been 
concealed behind a tongue of land, appeared 
suddenly, and attempted to arrest our course. 
By a quick turn we avoided, indeed, this im- 
mediate menacing danger, when a chance shot 
tore away our mizzen-sail, and we would have 
been certainly lost, had not the evil been 
remedied at once. Ten of us, I among the 
number, mounted the rope ladders, and in five 
minutes the torn ropes were again spliced, and 
with its former speed our fine ship glided 
again through the high-dashing waves. A 
universal cry of joy announced the success of 
the manoeuvre, nor could I refrain from join- 
ing in the triumphant shout. In this moment 
of rapture, however, an accident occurred by 
which my life-bark was again turned in a new 


ON SHIPBOARD. 


8i 


direction. A mighty wave broke with great 
power against the ship, and threw it suddenly 
upon its side. In my joy at our escape from 
the pirates I had not noticed its approach, and 
was surprised by it in a very disagreeable 
manner. Standing on the ropes without hold- 
ing on, the shock threw me sideways with re- 
sistless force, so that I plunged overboard, and 
went headforemost into the sea, whose foam- 
ing waves closed over me. With all my 
might I endeavored to rise to the surface, 
with the hope of being able to grasp some 
rescuing rope that might have been thrown 
out to me from the ship, but with indescrib- 
able terror I discovered that the ship, in her 
rapid progress under full sail, was already 
more than a hundred yards from me. I gave 
myself up for lost. From my friends no help 
or rescue could come; for the bringing to 
of the ship would certainly have put it in the 
possession of the pirates, who were in hot 


82 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


pursuit. And to send a boat was impossible, 
or at least extremely difficult, on account of 
the high sea. If the hazardous venture were 
even made, how could the boat again reach 
the fast-sailing ship? No, I dared not mock 
myself with a hope that could not be realized. 
Although an experienced swimmer, the ques- 
tion occurred to me in my terrible situation, 
whether it would not be best to cease the 
struggle. I tried it — I sank — but the instinct 
that constrains us to cling to life, proved 
stronger than my doubts. With a renewed 
effort I again reached the surface, and at the 
same moment heard voices that sounded at 
my very side. I turned my head, and saw a 
boat with five or six men, and near by one of 
the ships that had given up the pursuit of our 
vessel as hopeless. A rope was thrown out 
to me from the boat; I grasped it, and in 
another moment was saved. When taken on 
board the ship I found myself a prisoner in 


ON SHIPBOARD. 


83 


the hands of the pirates, while my shipmates, 
as if on the pinions of a bird, were sailing 
away free and unharmed. 

“Yet I felt at that moment less the bitter- 
ness of my captivity than the joy created by 
my unhoped-for rescue. Whatever sufferings 
and dangers yet awaited me, they were at all 
events more distant than the peril I had just 
escaped. Besides, an effort had been made on 
my behalf, and this awakened the hope that I 
would be less roughly handled than the pirates 
of the Indian waters were accustomed to han- 
dle their captives. Of this hope I was deprived 
soon enough. 

“Scarcely had I touched the deck of the 
vessel, when I was led into the presence of the 
commander, a fiercedooking man with a dark 
brown, thickly-bearded face, and piercing black 
eyes. He spoke English, and from his ques- 
tions I clearly comprehended the cause of my 
rescue. The captain questioned me in regard 


84 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

to the cargo of the escaped vessel, and the 
next harbor into which she would run. I told 
him that she would sail direct for Europe. 
He had evidently expected that Captain Hol- 
berg would make for one of the nearest 
islands, in which case he hoped to be able 
yet to secure his prey. This hope was utterly 
dissipated by my statement. He dismissed 
me by a wave of his hand, and, without 
further ceremony, I was taken to the lowest 
part of the vessel, where I was locked in by 
having the hatchway closed over my head. 

“ It was pitch-dark ; but while the hatchway 
was yet open, I noticed that I was not the 
only captive, and a heavy sigh near me con- 
firmed this discovery. 

‘‘ * Who is here ?’ inquired I, first in English, 
then in German, then in Dutch. 

“ I was answered in the last-named tongue : 
*An unfortunate like yourself, sir,’ replied a 
voice — ‘ for I can readily suppose that you, 


ON SHIPBOARD. 


85 


like myself, have fallen into the hands of a 
pack of desperate rascals.’ 

‘ It is unfortunately true,’ replied I. ^ Do 
you know or conjecture what fate awaits us ?’ 

“ ‘ Certainly not a rose-colored one ! ’ replied 
he. ‘Either you will have to pay a heavy 
ransom for your liberation, as has already 
been announced to me in my own case, or else 
you will be taken to the haunts of the pirates, 
and be compelled to perform hard drudgery 
for life, provided you are not willing to howl 
with the wolves, and become a pirate yourself’ 
“ ‘ It is not pleasant to be penned up here,’ 
said I, ‘ or like a dog to do slave’s work 
among slaves. But, if I may ask, how did 
you fall into the hands of these people ?’ 

“ ‘ I was making a pleasure trip in my yacht 
on the coast of Sumatra, when the pirates at- 
tacked us suddenly, killed my attendants, and 
spared me only for the purpose of extorting a 
large ransom, as they know me to be one of 
8 


86 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


the richest merchants in Palemberg. The 
rascals lay in wait for me ; and although I 
have thus far resisted their demands, nothing 
will remain for me in the end but to pay the 
required sum. I only fear that the scamps 
will increase their demand if I assent too 
readily, and therefore I delay.’ 

“ ‘ But suppose they lose their patience and 
put an end to your life ?’ 

“ ‘ They’ll take care not to do that ; no, no, 
they know too well what the head of Mr. Van 
Buren, of Palemberg, is worth.’ 

“Van Buren! The name of this individual 
was familiar to me, for I was especially com- 
mended to him by Verboekhoven and Com- 
pany, when I was employed to take the cargo 
for them to India. The man was considered 
immensely rich, and was noted at the same 
time for his singularity. At first I was on the 
point of making myself known to him, but on 
second thought I determined otherwise. I 


ON SHIPBOARD. 


87 

had already half formed a plan for securing 
my own freedom. My plan was, not to irri- 
tate the pirates unnecessarily, but if possible 
to conciliate them so far as I could without a 
violation of conscience, and then take advan- 
tage of the first opportunity for flight. 

“ ‘ But who are you ?’ inquired Mr. Van 
Buren, *and in what manner were you snatched 
up and brought on board this scandalous 
vessel ?’ 

“ ‘ I am a poor fellow about whom there is 
no one to trouble himself,’ replied I, and re- 
lated in few words by what accident I had 
fallen into the hands of the pirates. 

** For some time I had noticed that our 
conversation had been overheard. After the 
lapse of an hour the hatchway was again 
opened, and I was summoned on deck. 

“ I found myself once more in the presence 
of the pirate-captain, who this time seemed 
disposed to treat me more mildly than before ; 


88 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAO. 


partly, perhaps, because what I had said of my 
poverty took away the hope of any ransom ; 
and partly, it may be, because it was thought 
I might be of use in prevailing upon Mr. Van 
Buren to yield to their demands. Or, it may 
have been for the purpose of adding me, if 
possible, to their own number. The questions 
that were put to me seemed most to favor the 
last opinion. 

“ ‘ Well, my boy, let us talk a little to- 
gether,’ said the captain, at the same time 
pointing to a chair on which he requested me 
to be seated. * I am now convinced that you 
told me the truth about yourself at our first 
interview ; and now, if you are reasonable, we 
may yet become very good friends. What 
say you ? shall we look upon you as a prisoner, 
or do you prefer fellowship with us ?’ 

“ ‘ I would prefer above all things,’ replied 
I, ' to be put on shore, and allowed to go my 
own way.’ 


ON SHIPBOARD. 


89 


** * That cannot be, my good fellow,’ replied 
he, smiling, ‘There is but one choice; you 
must be our captive or our comrade.’ 

“ ‘ And what have I to expect in either 
case ?’ said I. 

“ ‘ That I can tell you in few words,’ replied 
he. ‘As a captive you will be taken to one of 
our haunts, and be compelled to work like a 
horse and be treated like a dog ; as a com- 
rade, you will enter our ranks, and be obliged 
to obey no commands but those that come 
from me — you will be a free man, and will 
share our booty, and thus become rich, if we 
only have a little good luck. Choose then 
between the two ! ’ 

“ A fortunate occurrence saved -me from the 
necessity of making the choice which my 
conscience dictated, and which might have 
consigned me to lifelong captivity. For just 
at this moment another pirate-ship, not in 
league with the one on which I was^ came out 


90 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

suddenly from behind a projection of land 
that had concealed it from view, with the evi- 
dent intention of making a prize of our vessel. 
A cannon-shot made this intention clear. The 
ball whistled through our rigging, made a hole 
in our maintop, and brought the captain out 
of his cabin, who at once gave orders for the 
fight. 

“ ‘ The rascals !’ cried he. ‘ They think they 
can overpower us because they carry two 
more guns than we. But show them now, 
boys, what you can do. Give them shot for 
shot, and be very sure that no ball is lost.’ 

“ It was very natural that I should not hesi- 
tate to engage in the fight with a pirate ship, 
whose destruction would be an advantage to 
the world. And besides, I was defending my 
own life ; for if we had fallen into the hands of 
our assailants, it is a question whether any of 
us would have been spared. 

“The conflict was short, and we were the 


ON SHIPBOARD. 


91 


victors. While the shout that proclaimed our 
triumph was still sounding, I felt my feet 
tremble, and a dark cloud passed before my 
eyes. Now, for the first time, I became aware 
that I was wounded, and sank unconscious 
upon the deck. What took place then, I 
learned afterwards when I came to myself I 
had been lifted up, and, at the express order 
of the captain, had been taken to his own 
cabin, where my wounds were dressed, and 
the utmost attention was paid me. I should 
have mentioned before, that during the fight 
the captain stumbled and fell upon the deck, 
and I warded off a blow which might have 
cost him his life. As he sprang to his feet 
again unhurt, he thanked me. And now I 
found him sitting beside me when I first 
opened my eyes, and heard him express his 
joy at the prospect of my recovery. He 
praised my courage, and thanked me again 
for the fortunate interposition that had saved 
his life. 


92 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

“ He told me that in a few days we would 
reach one of their haunts, where I should 
remain free from all service, and be well taken 
care of until I regained my strength. 

“All this seemed very favorable to the 
accomplishment of my plan. In three days 
after this conversation, fortunately without any 
other incident to create delay, we reached an 
island, which, according to a reckoning I was 
afterwards enabled to make, lay scarcely more 
than forty or fifty miles from Sumatra. This 
island had an inlet that formed the safest, and, 
at the same time, the most concealed harbor I 
had ever seen. The shore, adorned with the 
full beauty of tropical vegetation, was dotted 
with a number of cottages separated from each 
other by the richest verdure ; and upon a pro- 
jection of solid rock stood a castle with strong 
towers and walls, out of whose port-holes the 
mouths of menacing and powerful guns pro- 
truded. This castle evidently served to protect 


ON SHIPBOARD. 93 

the inlet and the cottages, and seemed quite 
formidable enough to awaken respect even in 
ships of war that might attempt to enter the 
harbor. 




CHAPTER VII. 

AMONG PIRATES. 

T OUD rejoicings broke forth as our ship 
^ neared the coast, and cast anchor 
scarcely a hundred yards from it. The shore 
was crowded with men, and several boats 
pushed off to take to their families those who 
had just arrived. The captain did not hinder 
them from leaving the ship any longer than 
was required for the proper care of matters on 
board ; and, what concerned me most, was that 
I was lifted into one of the boats and brought 
on shore, where I was quartered in one of the 
nearest and most beautiful of the cottages. 

“ Here I remained at least a week without 
hearing or seeing what was going on outside. 

( 94 ) 


AMONG PIRATES. 95 

A waiting-maid attended to all my wants, a 
tolerably skillful physician took care of my 
wounds, and the captain called from time to 
time to inquire about my health, and to watch 
the progress of my case. He greatly desired 
my speedy recovery, for he contemplated a 
new cruise, in which, he said, he was unwilling 
to do without my service. Nevertheless, he 
concluded at last to go without me; for my 
wounds were not slight, and I had lost, 
besides, a good deal of blood. So he came 
one day for the- last time, expressed his regret 
at being compelled to leave me behind, and 
had a box placed in my room, which, he said, 
contained my share of the booty. I could not 
refrain from a cry of joy when he announced 
to me his immediate departure. It was well 
for me that he attached to this cry quite an- 
other meaning than the real one, and ascribed 
it to the pleasure which he supposed had been 
awakened by the treasure he had sent me. 


96 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

“ ^ Yes, yes, my friend, you have not been 
forgotten,’ said he. *You will find the box 
full of costly things, and I hope it will be to 
you a spur to future bravery. In four weeks 
we will meet again. Be of good cheer; in our 
business fortune smiles upon the daring. Be 
sure that on my return I find you again in the 
full freshness and strength of restored health.’ 

“ My answer was lost in the booming of a 
cannon, that called the captain on board. He 
took me once more by the hand, bowed to me, 
and hastily departed. 

“ * The Lord be praised,’ murmured I, as he 
left. ‘ He does not suspect me ; and now, I 
think, the hour of my deliverance is at hand.’ 

The departure of the captain freed me from 
great anxiety; for, in order to prevent any 
suspicion of my intentions, I had to wear a 
mask, and was in constant fear lest he might 
see through it. But now I felt secure; and 
this feeling doubtless aided wonderfully the 


AMONG PIRATES. 


97 


healing of my wounds. On the fourth day 
after the sailing of the pirate ship, I was able 
to leave my bed ; and a few days after the ph}?-- 
sician permitted me to take whatever walks 
about the island I pleased, and only cautioned 
me to guard against the glowing mid-day heat 
and the evening coolness that was frequently 
perceptible. 

“ Several reasons induced me to make use 
of this permission. In the first place, the 
enjoyment of the fresh air helped my complete 
recovery. Then, I might find opportunity to 
make preparations for my intended flight. 
And, in the third place, I desired, with all 
possible caution, to make inquiry about Mr. 
Van Buren, and, if possible, to do him a 
kindness. 

During the following week I learned that 
it would not be very difficult to secure my 
own liberty. With the exception of the small 
garrison at the castle, the island was inhabited 
9 G 


98 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

only by women and children ; and no one had 
the least mistrust of me, or watched my steps 
with suspicious eyes. On the contrary, all my 
wishes were performed with the greatest readi- 
ness ; and, without any hesitation, I was even 
furnished with a boat when one day I ex- 
pressed a desire to make a pleasure trip around 
the island. The captain, before he left, had 
commended me earnestly to those who re- 
mained on the island, doubtless because I had 
been instrumental in saving his life. All this 
strengthened and encouraged my purpose to 
dissolve the fellowship into which I had been 
brought against my will ; and in a very few 
days after my recovery, I would have been 
sailing secretly away, had not the wish to 
attempt Mr. Van Buren’s liberation, also, 
detained me. A week passed without my 
seeing or hearing anything of him. At last I 
determined to make inquiry concerning him, 
though I felt that it could not be done without 


AMONG PIRATES. 


99 


considerable risk. I ventured to speak to the 
doctor, and received the desired information 
on the spot. 

“ ‘ He is imprisoned in the castle, the old 
gentleman,’ was the answer to my question. 

“ ‘ Is he still obstinate and unyielding ?’ said 
I, with assumed chagrin. ^ Perhaps it would 
be well to use coercive measures. On board 
the ship I did all I could to persuade him to 
pay the required ransom ; but the tough, 
miserly old fellow would not listen to it. 
Nevertheless, I have a desire to make another 
attempt. Is any one allowed to go to him ?’ 

You will be allowed, without doubt,’ re- 
plied the captain. ‘To the friend and pre- 
server of our valiant captain every door is 
open.’ 

“ ‘ Well, then, lead me to him, doctor,’ said 
I, quickly. ‘ I think we will do the captain a 
favor if we succeed in breaking the will of the 
obstinate man, and persuade him to yield.’ 


lOO 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


‘‘The doctor assented, and led me to the 
prisoner without delay. The jailer did not 
hesitate to open the door, and we found our- 
selves in the presence of Mr. Van Burfen. 

“As I expected, he no sooner recognized 
me than he gave me a look full of aversion 
and contempt, and turned his back upon me. 
He thought, of course, that I could not be on 
such good terms with the pirates without 
having become one of their number. Nor had 
I any desire, just then, that he should think 
otherwise, for the suspicion he entertained 
helped my plan. His conduct towards me 
showed the doctor that we had no understand- 
ing with each other, and this was the more 
evident from the temper with which he replied 
to my questions. 

“ ‘ Still as obstinate as when on the ship, 
sir ?’ said I to him. ‘ What good does it do 
you ? Yield at once, pay the required ransom, 
and you will receive your freedom.’ 


AMONG PIRATES. 


lOI 


* I cannot negotiate with such a wretch as 
you are !’ replied he. ‘ Take yourself away. 
Your presence is hateful to me.’ 

* Keep cool, my dear sir. My intentions 
are good, and I only counsel you to be reason- 
able. Do you really wish to make your 
imprisonment perpetual, when there is no 
necessity for it? You know very well that 
you will not obtain your freedom without the 
sight of your money.’ 

‘Would that it were melted, and you were 
compelled to swallow it !’ exclaimed he, vio- 
lently. ‘ Besides, what have I to do with 
you ? Leave me ! It is insupportable to be 
compelled to talk with a miserable renegade !’ 

“ ‘All right,’ said I, calmly, ‘ I will go, but 
I will return again, perhaps this evening, and 
then we will talk over the matter anew. Per- 
haps, as my presence is so unpleasant to you, 
you will agree the more readily to what I 
propose. Only pay your ransom, and you 
9 * 


r 


102 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


will be rid of me. I will see you again, 
Mr. Van Buren.’ 

*^He muttered, some bitter words, but I 
went laughing out of the prison as I. told the 
doctor that I would certainly call on the 
furious old man again in the evening, if I 
could have access to him. The doctor felt 
not the least hesitation in regard to the 
matter, and ordered the jailer to afford me 
admittance at any hour, by day or by night. 
The man looked very sullen on receiving this 
order, but I conciliated him by means of some 
coin slipped into his hand, saying pleasantly 
at the same time, that we would have a good 
talk with each other and with the prisoner. 

“ ‘And then,’ I added, ‘ we will remain 
together till the tough old iron-head has 
written his order for the money, if we have 
to wait till sunrise.’ 

“ The jailer grinned, and no longer showed 
any reluctance to my coming; and I departed. 


AMONG PIRATES. IO3 

promising to return early, and greatly elated 
at the result I had thus far secured. 

"‘I now arranged everything for immediate 
flight. At nightfall I managed to convey a 
quantity of provisions to the boat. When the 
position of the stars indicated the tenth hour of 
the night, I went to the prison. And now I 
determined to go courageously and promptly 
to work. My plan was to take advantage of 
the drowsiness of the jailer, which I was sure 
would come sooner or later during the night, 
inasmuch as he had full confidence in me, and 
did not feel the need of any special vigilance; 
and when fast asleep, if that should occur, to 
escape with Mr. Van Buren. With all my 
preparations ready for immediate flight from 
the island, I felt that this plan could hardly 
fail; for if it did not succeed this night I 
hoped to be able, without awakening suspicion, 
to repeat the attempt the next; and, with this 
assurance, I turned my steps toward the castle. 


104 the parsonage of libenau. 

“All succeeded even better than I had ven^ 
tured to hope. Mr. Van Buren seemed im- 
measurably provoked at my late visit. He 
flung contemptuous and angry looks at me, 
to which I paid little attention; for my 
thoughts were mostly fixed upon the jailer, 
who sat in one corner of the cell, and seemed 
already weary of the talk that was only a less 
violent and more measured repetition of what 
had been said during the day. I purposely 
managed the conversation so as to have it as 
little exciting as possible, and, indeed, for the 
last half hour little had been said on either 
side, and the prisoner and myself had spent 
the time mostly in eyeing each other — he me 
with angry impatience, and I him with a soli- 
citude which I almost feared would give a hint 
of my real feelings before it was safe to do so. 

“ This suspense did not last very long. At 
midnight the jailer was as fast asleep as if an 
opiate had been administered. 


AMONG PIRATES. 


105 


Quickly, then, I approached Mr. Van 
Buren, and attempted to speak ; but, with a 
look of abhorrence, he turned away from me. 

“ ‘ Mr. Van Buren,’ said I, in an earnest 
whisper, ‘ the play is ended. I can now lay 
aside the mask, and show you my true counte- 
nance. If you wish to be free, follow me. A 
hundred paces from here a boat lies ready to 
receive us, and, if God is with us, we can reach 
Sumatra in two or three days.’ 

“ He gazed at me startled and amazed, and 
evidently struggling with doubt and unbelief. 
When, however, he saw my laughing face, a 
suspicion of the actual state of affairs seemed 
suddenly to flash upon him. 

“ Can it be possible ?’ he exclaimed, in a 
suppressed voice. ‘ Then you appeared on 
friendly terms with the pirates only to deceive 
them all ! I understand.’ 

“‘Yes, you are right,’ replied I. And as 
you are now convinced that I have no desire 


I06 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

to remain here, follow me at once. We have 
no time to spare if we wish to get beyond the 
reach of danger before break of day.’ 

“ Mr. Van Buren did not delay another 
moment in accepting my invitation. We left 
the prison, double-locked and bolted the door 
behind us, lest the jailer should awaken sooner 
than we wished, and hastened to the strand 
where I had concealed my boat. It was where 
I had left it. We stepped in, 1 seized the oar, 
and we glided lightly over the smooth water 
under the shelter of the bushes, out of the 
cove into the open sea. Here, where no 
immediate danger threatened us, I raised a 
sail, and, with redoubled speed, the light boat 
fairly flew under the impulse of a fresh, propi- 
tious wind. When the sun rose out of the 
sea, the pirate island lay so far behind us as to 
be no longer visible to our peering eyes, and 
we felt sure of the improbability of being pur- 
sued. The propitious wind held on, and our 


AMONG PIRATES. 10/ 

little boat glided before it as gracefully as the 
sea-gull skims over the water. 

"‘I had now to give Mr. Van Buren a 
detailed account of my adventures during the 
past few weeks, and with a kind and thankful 
look he gave me his hand when I assured him 
that I had determined not to leave the island 
without him. When I had finished my story, 
he asked me concerning my previous life, and 
my family, and my prospects in regard to the 
future, and did not allow me to stop until I 
had related all the particulars of my whole life. 
Hereupon he sank into a deep reverie, from 
which he did not awake until I brought him 
his breakfast, which I had prepared as well as 
I could out of the provisions I had brought 
along. 

‘“Thanks, my dear Kurt,’ said he, calling 
me familiarly by my first name, while at the 
same time he helped himself without cere- 
mony. ‘ I think it is not the last time we will 


io8 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


eat from the same table, and therefore, let us 
be on the most familiar terms. You will 
allow me to call you by your first name, for 
which I have a real affection already.’ 

“ Of course I had not the least objection, 
and expressed, without reserve, the great 
pleasure afforded me by Mr. Van Buren’s 
familiarity. The kind feelings he so warmly 
displayed, awakened in me the same feelings, 
mingled with esteem and veneration for the 
old man ; and when at length, after a prosper- 
ous voyage, we reached Palemberg, it was 
agreed between us that I should enter his 
employ on terms highly advantageous to 
myself; an arrangement to which I most 
cheerfully assented, and with which I was 
more than satisfied. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

UNCLE KURT ENDS HIS STORY, AND PASTOR 
GOTTHOLD BEGINS HIS. 

“TT7ITH my arrival in Palemberg, I 
reached the haven of tranquillity, for 
from that day I met with no wild adventures 
like my abduction from Amsterdam, and my 
subsequent experience among the pirates. My 
life flowed on like a peaceful river. Mr. Van 
Buren, who was one of the richest merchants 
in the East Indies, assured me of his lasting 
affection, which was indeed so great that he 
gave me his daughter in marriage. My dear 
wife was indeed taken from me when we had 
been married scarcely five happy years ; but 
this sad occurrence did not weaken the attach- 
lo’ (109) 


no 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


ment between me and her father. I remained 
the son of the house, and Mr. Van Buren was 
a most loving father to me. Last year he also 
died. 

“As long as he lived I could not bear to 
separate from him and leave him alone, though 
my thoughts often turned to my own distant 
home. During the first years of my residence 
in Palemberg, I wrote home several times, but 
received no answer. The letters must have 
been lost. At length I applied to an English 
business house to make inquiry concerning 
my friends in Germany. Even then I had to 
wait a long while before I received any news. 
At last the sad intelligence came of the death 
of our father. What had become of you, dear 
Ephraim, my correspondent could not tell. 
Thus the interchange of letters was rendered 
impossible. A journey home would have 
been the surest way to discover your where- 
abouts ; but as often as I thought of this, I was 


UNCLE KURT ENDS HIS STORY. 


Ill 


reminded of the many circumstances that hin- 
dered its accomplishment. The whole burden 
of my second father’s extensive business rested 
upon my shoulders. The longer the period 
that separated me from my home, the more 
multiplied were the impediments that pre- 
vented my taking so long a journey, until the 
death of my father-in-law left me utterly alone 
in a strange land. Then I felt isolated indeed, 
and my longing for home awoke with new 
power. I sold my real estate and merchan- 
dise, and, with my faithful servant Bio, took 
ship for England, went thence to Hamburg, 
and from there came to your city, where I 
made inquiries concerning you, brother Eph- 
raim, and at last came here, where, thanks to 
Him who has led me all the way, I have found 
you and yours, and in the old home a new 
one, provided you will allow Uncle Kurt to 
remain with you.” 

All hands were lovingly extended, and the 


1 12 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


pastor rose and clasped his brother in his 
arms. It was settled that Uncle Kurt was not 
to leave the village again, and all sorts of plans 
were laid for his comfort, to which he smilingly- 
listened, till at length he gave the conversation 
a new turn. 

“ Enough, children,” said he. “ Let us not 
trouble ourselves about the future. I will 
make my own nest so comfortable among you, 
that you will all be satisfied. But first I want 
to hear how it has gone with you all, and 
especially with you, Ephraim, during my long 
absence from home.” 

This wish was too natural not to be gratified. 
The pastor declared himself ready to give a 
picture of his career, but deferred the relation 
till the next evening, as it was then too late to 
begin. And all in the house felt the need 
of rest, after the exciting occurrences of the 
day. 

The next morning, Uncle Kurt again had 


UNCLE KURT ENDS HIS STORY. II3 

business to transact with the banker, which 
kept him beyond the dinner hour ; so that he 
did not return to the parsonage till the after- 
noon, Whatever the business was, it was 
very evident that he was well pleased with the 
result, for he came back with the pleasantest 
face in the world, and nothing but the bright- 
est sunshine shone out of his eyes. 

“At last !“ exclaimed the pastor, from whose 
face the sweat was rolling, so weary was he in 
preparing the ground for the protection of his 
plants during the approaching winter. “ You 
are here again, at last, brother Kurt ! I began 
to think you would never return ; but you 
have come just in time to give me a little 
help.” 

“Help? At what?” 

“ Yes ; you see, brother, you can shovel into 
the corner yonder the ground that I dig out ; 
then we will finish in an hour or so, and have 
the whole evening to ourselves.” 

10* 


H 


1 14 the parsonage of libenau. 

'‘Shovel dirt? I?” replied Uncle Kurt, 
laughing. " No, brother, that would be very 
unaccustomed work for me, and entirely too 
hard." 

The good pastor smiled, somewhat embar- 
rassed. "All right," said he, " I do not want 
you to weary yourself. I can manage very 
well alone, though it will take a little longer, 
of course.” 

"You do not understand me, dear brother," 
said Uncle Kurt, quickly ; " that is not what I 
mean. Helped you shall be, only in a some- 
what different way from the one you propose. 
Only come out of that hole. If it must be 
made. Bio will be here to-morrow, and he can 
do the work. Let us now have a little talk ; 
and, first of all, I want you to make me better 
acquainted with your flower-treasures. That 
is a field in which I have yet much to learn, if 
I am to perform for you any useful service." 

If Uncle Kurt had desired nothing else than 


UNCLE KURT ENDS HIS STORY. T T 5 

to take his brother away from his severe labor, 
he could not have chosen any better method 
than to request him to show his flowers. The 
good pastor at once threw his spade aside, 
and, with a look full of pleasure, came out of 
the ditch. 

“ You shall see them, shall see them all,” 
said he. “ It will indeed make me unspeak- 
ably happy to have you fall in love with my 
beautiful, tender favorites. You do not imag- 
ine, dear brother, how much joy the care of 
flowers imparts. Only look at my dahlias ! 
Are they not splendid ? Each new flower 
when it blooms seems more beautiful than the 
others. Even at the banker’s up yonder you 
do not find them in such perfection.” 

Uncle Kurt admired the truly magnificent 
flowers in due measure, and went with his 
brother through the whole garden until he 
had become acquainted with all its treasures. 
Patiently he listened to all the detailed state- 


Il6 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

ments of the pastor, who became more and 
more earnest, and thus he learned all the 
wishes that filled the heart of his brother. 
Laughing to himself, he stored them carefully 
away in his memory, and rubbed his hands 
with the utmost glee when his good brother 
occasionally alluded to the banker, and ex- 
pressed his regret at ndt having a more agree- 
able neighbor. 

“ But I don’t know ; perhaps the man is not 
so bad after all,” said Uncle Kurt, in reply to 
a remark of this kind. “ He has received me 
very pleasantly, and to-morrow even you and 
yours ” 

“ What of to-morrow ?” inquired the pastor, 
full of curiosity, as Uncle Kurt, smiling, pur- 
posely left the sentence unfinished. What 
is to be done to-morrow ?” 

. “ Why, you and your family,” continued 
Uncle Kurt, ** are invited by your neighbor to 
a little festive entertainment to-morrow, at 


UNCLE KURT ENDS HIS STORY. 11/ 

which the neighborly relations that are to 
exist in the future will be celebrated.” 

“ I and my family invited ? With a view to 
friendly relations hereafter ? By the rich 
banker ? Impossible, brother, impossible !” 
exclaimed the pastor, with an expression of 
amazement so comical that Uncle Kurt had to 
bite his lips to keep from bursting out into a 
loud laugh. “You want to make merry at 
my expense, brother ! It cannot be !” 

“ But I assure you again, and with all sin- 
cerity, that your neighbor has invited you and 
yours, through me, to partake of a friendly 
banquet to-morrow at the villa, and once for 
all to enter into a good understanding for the 
future. It would be impossible for me to 
make merry at your expense, dear Ephraim.” 

Still the pastor could not credit this un- 
looked-for intelligence, until Uncle Kurt again 
assured him in the most positive manner that 
the invitation had been sent, and should be 


Il8 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

regarded as altogether sincere. Then he 
wished to go in all haste and communicate 
the unexpected news to his wife, when just 
at this moment she herself came out of the 
house into the garden, where she listened, 
not without surprise, to the strange revelation. 

^‘Yes, yes, I see already how it is to be 
explained,” said she, after a short pause given 
to silent reflection. “The banker has his 
reasons for making himself agreeable to our 
brother, and so we must thank Uncle Kurt 
alone for attentions which would never have 
been shown us without him.” 

“ Believe me, dear sister,” said Uncle Kurt, 
promptly, “ your neighbor really wishes noth- 
ing else than to entertain kind, neighborly 
feelings, and therefore it concerns me far less 
than you. But let that be as it may, I prom- 
ise you a very pleasant time to-morrow ; and, 
with this expectation, we will say nothing 
more about it now. Brother Ephraim, you 


UNCLE KURT ENDS HIS STORY. 1 19 

owe. me the history of your life, and the hour 
has arrived, I think, in which we may look a 
little into the past.” 

Smiling good naturedly, the pastor declared 
himself ready. All took their places in the 
honey-suckle arbor, where the children had 
already assembled for their supper, and after a 
simple, enjoyable meal, as yesterday Uncle 
Kurt, so to-day the pastor began his story. 

“ On the days of my early youth, brother 
Kurt, I need not dwell, for we lived those days 
together. The next few years brought noth- 
ing unusual, except the news of your unac- 
countable disappearance, which was a source 
of great sorrow to father and myself. We 
were forced to conclude, after years had passed 
without bringing any intelligence concerning 
you, that you had met with some calamity, 
and were no longer alive ; and we mourned 
over our supposed loss long and deeply. 

“ Meanwhile I pursued my studies as usual 


120 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


under father’s direction and guidance, in order 
to prepare myself for the university, and after- 
wards for the sacred office. I can frankly say 
that I was diligent, for I am by no means 
foolish enough to regard my diligence as a 
merit. You rememl^er that our dear father 
used to tell us frequently what has been to 
you a guiding- star through life, that one must 
under all circumstances do his duty. Well, I 
too endeavored to obey this injunction, and 
good results did not fail to follow. In a few 
years I was prepared to enter the university. 
Father dismissed me with the old saying 
which seemed to have grown out of his every 
deed and thought, ‘ Do your duty !’ and I left 
home with the full determination to follow his 
counsel. 

“ Y ou well know, brother Kurt, how few 
worldly goods father possessed; and as he 
had scarcely what was needed for his support, 
it was natural that he had but little to spare 


UNCLE KURT ENDS HIS STORY. 


I2I 


for me. But I was anxious not to take from 
him even that little, and to my great joy it so 
happened that, by giving private instruction 
while pursuing my own studies, I managed 
not to cost father a penny. This self-support 
was no easy task, for often I had to sit up half 
the night in order to make up the hours that 
were taken from my studies during the day. 

Many made sport of me, and called me a 
poor charity student. Although this pained 
me, I conquered all unpleasant feelings by the 
consciousness that I was doing my duty. 
Nothing, I soon learned, could long trouble 
me, if I only adhered to the purpose of always 
doing what was right. At last my courage 
was so respected that these jeers no longer 
assailed me. The most of the students re- 
garded me with indifference, but a few became 
respectful and friendly. This compensated for 
many hard and bitter experiences ; and, when 
the years of study had passed away, I could 


122 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


say to myself with a light and joyful heart, 

‘ Thou hast tried, at least, to do thy duty ; 
and now let come what will.’ 

“ When I reached home, father examined 
my testimonials, and tested me thoroughly, so 
as to know whether I had made right use of 
my advantages, and then reached m.e his hand. 
‘ I am satisfied with you, Ephraim,’ said he. 
‘ You have been truly diligent, and with all 
such it cannot go ill at last. You must now 
go to the city and pass your examination ; and 
if, as I hope, you come off with honor, God 
will continue to take care of you.’ 

“ Father’s approbation made me, indeed, 
veiy happy ; but his reminding me of the 
impending examination forced a sigh from me. 
I had often thought of this examination with a 
heavy and fearful heart — not from any appre- 
hension that I would be found deficient in the 
required attainments, but on account of the 
heavy cost, which was unavoidable. A resir 


UNCLE KURT ENDS HIS STORY. 1 23 

dence in the city was expensive. Then I 
needed a good suit of clothes, which it was 
necessary for every candidate to have ; and, 
though I had left the university without being 
in debt, I had not a single penny in my 
pocket. What was to be done? How was 
the heavy cost to be borne ? Rich relations 
we had not, and strangers did not trouble 
themselves about us — indeed, it was no won- 
der that the thought of the examination lay 
like a mountain upon me. 

“ Father guessed my apprehensions and 
anxiety. Smiling, he looked at me for awhile; 
then went to his desk, opened a drawer, 
pointed into it, and said softly, 'See here, 
Ephraim.’ 

“ I looked ; I was amazed ; I knew not what 
had happened to me, or whether I had the 
right use of my eyes. In the drawer lay a 
pile of bright dollars, real, bright dollars, a 
large number; to me they seemed countless, 


124 the parsonage of libenau. 

as I stared, almost blinded by the sight of the 
unexpected treasure. 

“ ‘ This is indeed a miracle !’ exclaimed 1. 

' No miracle,’ replied father, smiling — ‘only 
the very simple and natural result of doing 
one’s duty. Here you see, my son, how good 
it is for every one to be faithful to his trust. 
This money is yours; you saved it yourself, 
and God will send his blessing with it.’ 

“ ‘ I saved it ?’ stammered I. ‘ But I know 
nothing about it, dear father.’ 

“ ‘ Therefore I know all the more,’ said he. 
‘ Have you then forgotten that I appropriated 
fifty thalers each year towards your university 
expenses ? Those fifty thalers I saved out of 
my small income ; and, inasmuch as you did 
not need them, because you worked manfully, 
and did your duty well, I was enabled to lay 
them by for you each year, feeling assured 
that one day the small sum would serve you a 
good turn. There are a hundred and fifty 


UNCLE KURT ENDS HIS STORY. 125 

thalers; they are yours; take them, my dear 
Ephraim, and bear me witness that your 
father likewise, to the utmost of his power, 
has done his duty.’ 

“You can imagine, brother Kurt, what I 
felt at this moment. The foresight, the love 
of my dear father, agitated my inmost soul. I 
was not able to say a single word ; but, burst- 
ing into tears, I threw myself into his arms, 
and wept long upon his breast. Father stroked 
my cheeks tenderly. 

“ ‘ Ephraim,’ said he, when the tempest of 
my emotion had somewhat subsided — *how 
could you doubt that your father would be as 
faithful in the performance of duty as you ? 
How could you for a moment believe that I 
would spend what was really not my own ? 
No, my son. He who teaches by word must 
also teach by example, in order to make the 
lesson doubly impressive. And now let noth- 
ing more be said about the matter. Take the 


126 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


money, and with the Lord for your companion 
go to the city.’ 

“ Father would not allow the least allusion 
to his self-denying act, and parried every word 
of thanks I attempted to utter. The more I 
tried to speak, the more he urged my speedy 
departure, and fixed upon the next day for my 
journey. 



CHAPTER IX. 

TRIALS OF STUDENT LIFE. 

TN the city every thing shaped itself at 
^ first according to my wishes and hopes. 
On my arrival I rented a small back room of 
a carpenter, whom I afterward learned to 
esteem as an honest, benevolent, truly Chris- 
tian man ; purchased for myself the necessary 
clothing, and then called on the gentleman 
whose business it was to pass judgment when 
the examination was over, and say whether I 
was prepared or not to enter the sacred office. 
I was received everywhere with the greatest 
kindness, and the one who superintended the 
examination welcomed me in a manner so 
affable and condescending, that it seemed to 
promise the most friendly interest in my sue- 
(127) 


128 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


cess. He inquired about my father, said he 
was an old fellow-student, praised his fidelity, 
and said he would soon be appointed to a 
wider sphere of usefulness than the one he 
now filled so well. Then he began to speak 
of me, said he had already heard of my dili- 
gence and acquirements, and ended with the 
assurance that out of old attachment and love 
for my father, he would endeavor to make my 
examination as easy as possible. . 

“ His words dropped like the dew of heaven 
upon my soul. I thanked him warmly for his 
kind feelings, and looked upon him as if he 
were a guardian angel. Unfortunately, I was 
not long in discovering that his extreme 
fatherly affection was by no means as sincere 
as it pretended to be. 

“'Wait a moment, my dear young friend,’ 
said he, as at the end of an hour I was about 
to leave. ' I must give you a proof of my 
good intentions. See here, these are the sub- 


TRIALS OF STUDENT LIFE. 1 29 

jects on which you will be examined. Take 
them with you, work them up, and bring the 
written results to me when they are finished. 
I will then look over them, and in case they 
need it, correct them, and thus lend a helping 
hand, so as to make matters all the more sure.’ 

“With a light heart I took the themes, ex- 
pressed my thanks once more for the kindness 
shown me, and went joyfully home, in order to 
go immediately to work. At the end of a 
week I was ready again to present myself to 
the superintendent, and hand him my neatly 
written sheets. 

“‘Well done! Very well done!’ said he, 
pleasantly. ‘ I see that my nephew has not 
told me too much that is good about you; 
you are indeed an industrious young man. 
Apropos, you are well acquainted with my 
nephew, I believe. He was with you at the 
university, and will be with you at the exam- 
ination.’ 


I 


130 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

I tried to recall him in vain, and the 
superintendent saw my embarrassment, for he 
at once assisted my memory. 

“‘Ah, perhaps you do not know,’ said he; 
‘ my nephew is the young Bernhardi, the son 

of the Counsellor of Justice . Yes, yes, I 

see, you remember him now; an excellent 
young man — and has studied bravely — you 
will make a brilliant examination together.’ 

“ I found it difficult to hide my confusion at 
this discovery. I knew this Bernhardi too 
well, but in a very different point of view from 
the one at which the superintendent had 
pictured him. At the university he ranked 
among the most good-for-nothing fellows ; 
and, indeed, he it was who tried most to 
worry me with arrogance and insult. Natur- 
ally, I did not venture to utter my thoughts 
concerning him on this occasion, especially as 
he had done so much to ingratiate me in the 
good opinion of his uncle ; and so I concealed 


TRIALS OF STUDENT LIFE. I3I 

my perplexity as much as I could, and ex- 
pressed my pleasure in being permitted to 
pass the examination with his nephew — as I 
could conscientiously do, for I had no reason 
to fear that the trial would be to my disadvan- 
tage. The superintendent appeared to be 
gratified with what I said, and dismissed me 
with the greatest cordiality. At the very last 
moment, he asked me whether I had shown 
my written themes to any one, to which I 
answered, ‘No.’ 

“ ‘ Well, that is right,’ said he. ‘ It would 
perhaps occasion me embarrassment were it 
known that I had given you the subjects 
beforehand, and you will therefore observe the 
greatest secrecy in regard to the matter. You 
well know that the best intended actions are 
sometimes falsely interpreted by an evil world.’ 

“ Of course I promised not to utter a sylla- 
ble in regard to the generosity that had been 
shown me, and left with the firm belief that I 


132 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

had found a true well-wisher in the superin- 
tendent. But I was suddenly undeceived. 

^‘At three o’clock in the afternoon of the 
same day I was invited to appear before the 
Consistory. I went promptly, and was told 
that the examination would take place in a 
fortnight, and that within a week I should 
hand in my written exercises, the subjects of 
which were given me. I felt happy in know- 
ing that I had already finished this work, 
when I cast a glance at the small piece of 
paper I held in my hand. With astonishment, 
almost with terror, I saw that the subjects 
were altogether different from those that had 
been given me by the superintendent. A 
frightful suspicion flashed through me, and I 
ventured to ask the gentlemen of the Con- 
sistory what subject had been given to the 
other candidate who was to be examined with 
me, and I then discovered that my suspicion 
was not altogether unfounded ; for I was told 


TRIALS OF STUDENT LIFE. 1 33 

that the themes assigned to the other candi- 
date were the very ones on which I had 
bestowed so much labor at the request of my 
pretended patron. 

“ I was so indignant that I was on the point 
of giving vent to my suspicion; but then I 
thought it possible that some mistake had 
occurred, and controlled myself sufficiently to 
hide my feelings deeply in my own breast. 

‘ These themes, as the most difficult, were 
first assigned to you,’ said the committee. 
‘ We thought you could manage them better 
than young Bernhardi, your fellow candidate ; 
but to-day his uncle, the superintendent, sud- 
denly wished for a change, and has assigned 
to you the easiest task, in order to avoid the 
appearance of favoring his nephew. You have 
every reason to be thankful to him.’ 

“ I felt my face turning white and red. ‘Ah, 
yes,’ thought I, ‘ the nephew will plume him- 
self with the feathers which the uncle has 


12 


134 the parsonage of libenau. 

cunningly plucked from me !’ Nevertheless I 
still buried my thoughts, and took my leave 
as quickly as possible, lest I might harm 
myself by some hasty utterance. 

“ When I reached home, I wept from grief 
and anger at having been so grossly outwitted, 
and in my soul I felt an evil impulse to be 
revenged upon the superintendent at any price. 
At this moment my excellent landlord made 
his appearance suddenly at the door of my 
room, noticed my agitation and perplexity, 
and inquired sympathizingly into the cause. 

“ In the presence of the committee I could 
control myself; but here, where I found one 
with an honest, noble heart, to whom I could 
disclose my grief, my indignation bubbled 
over, and I told my excellent carpenter all. 

“ He shook his head as he listened. 'And 
what do you intend to do, my young friend ?’ 
said he. 

“‘Unmask them!’ I exclaimed, ‘the nephew 
as well as the uncle.’ 


TRIALS OF STUDENT LIFE. 1 35 

This worthy man shook his head again. 
* No, it will be best to let that alone/ said he, 
quietly. ‘ For what would be gained ? It 
would only bring mischief to yourself. The 
superintendent is mighty and you are weak. 
Complain of him, and he will find a thousand 
ways to destroy you. At all events, in such a 
case you can abandon all hope of obtaining a 
place in this country.’ 

“ ^ But it is one’s duty to expose such a 
fraud,’ exclaimed I. 

^^Self-preservation is also a duty,’ replied he. 
*And besides this, you owe a duty to your 
father. Would you impart to him the grief 
of seeing your chosen sphere of activity closed 
forever? By no means, by no means, my 
dear Mr. Gotthold ! Think no more about the 
affair, perform your new task, and let no one 
guess that you have detected the superin- 
tendent pulling the wires behind the scenes. 
He himself will not suppose that you have 


136 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

told any one, and secretly he may feel thank- 
ful to you, and cause the examination to pass 
all the more lightly. Cheer up, Mr. Gotthold ! 
You have done no injury to yourself, and have 
perhaps helped another out of greater trouble.’ 

The tranquilizing, discreet advice of the 
honest man pacified me. I determined to fol- 
low his well-meant counsel, .and carried out 
this determination at once by seating myself 
at the table, and going to work at the new 
themes that had been given me. In the dili- 
gence with which I devoted myself to the new 
task I soon forgot all resentment, and before 
the allotted week had passed, I was ready to 
deliver my essays to the committee. 

‘‘ In a week afterwards the examination took 
place. The superintendent greeted me as un- 
constrainedly as if nothing in the world had 
happened between us, spoke a few words of 
praise concerning the written work I had 
handed in, and then began at once the oral 


TRIALS OF STUDENT LIFE. 1 37 

examination, in which he first put several 
questions to his nephew, who, greatly to my 
surprise, answered them quite correctly. I 
discovered afterwards that this was a concerted 
plan, according to which uncle and nephew 
had carefully committed questions and answers 
to memory. When this part of the examina- 
tion had continued about half an hour, the 
superintendent turned with a satisfied look to 
his colleagues, who gave the nod of approba- 
tion, and Mr. Bernhardi was told to be seated. 
Then my turn came. 

“ It was not made as easy for me as for him. 
The superintendent and his associates tested 
me very thoroughly; and indeed, if I had not 
been extremely diligent during my years of 
stud}^ it is quite possible that such an ex- 
haustive trial would have been too severe for 
me. Only at the end of four hours was it 
closed, and we two candidates were then re- 
quested to retire into another room. After a 


12* 


138 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

short deliberation of the committee, we were 
recalled to hear their decision. They were 
quite unanimous in saying that we both stood 
number one, and to this was added a written 
testimonial of our diligence and qualifications, 
and finally the assurance that as soon as 
vacancies occurred, the claims established by 
the satisfactory examination should be remem- 
bered. 

I went home very much delighted with 
this testimony and these assurances, and in 
the intensity of my joy embraced my old 
friend Jacobi, danced around with him in the 
room, and several minutes elapsed before I 
could again collect my thoughts, and give my 
excellent landlord a connected account of my 
good fortune. He congratulated me with all 
his heart, but did not share my rejoicing as 
unreservedly as I had expected. 

“ ^ We will see, we will see !’ said he, some- 
what thoughtfully. ‘ The nephew will doubt- 


TRIALS OF STUDENT LIFE. 1 39 

less be well taken care of, but * * * * 
the future will reveal all.’ 

“ My happiness was still too fresh and too 
lively to be dispirited by any misgivings. I 
flung away from me all unpleasant forebodings ; 
and still full of joyful feelings, I sat down, and 
wrote in detail to father the occurrences of the 
past few days. It was the last pleasure I was 
permitted to give him. As I learned after- 
wards from an old house-maid, my letters 
made him very happy. The next morning it 
was found that he had passed away from the 
world quietly in his sleep. 

“ Let me pass rapidly over the sadness 
created by this event. You can imagine my 
grief, if you call to mind that I had lost my 
best, my only friend, and now stood alone, 
entirely alone, in the world, without any 
human support. My good fortune, my happi- 
ness, even my hopes, were buried with him. 
So stunned was I that even the knowledge of 


140 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


my utter poverty did not rouse me. For days 
I abandoned myself to my sorrowing thoughts, 
without taking a step to meet the evils that 
threatened me in the immediate future. The 
good Jacobi was the first to awaken me from 
this sad condition. 

One day he came into my room, regarded 
me with a truly sympathizing look for awhile, 
and, at length, as I seemed not to notice him, 
he came near me, and laid his hand softly 
upon my shoulder. 

“ ^ Mr. Candidate,’ said he, ^ this must not go 
on so any longer. This brooding will make 
you weak, sick, and miserable, and make you 
forget that you have any reason to think about 
the future. How will it be if you have no 
more bread, and no more money wherewith to 
buy it?’ 

“ ‘ Let come what will !’ replied I. ' I care 
for nothing more in this world !’ 

“The old man shook his head disapprov- 


TRIALS OF STUDENT LIFE. I41 

gave me a look of severe rebuke. 
* Such words do not become a reasonable 
man/ said he, ‘ and I would like to know what 
reply your father would give if he could hear 
them, and were standing before you as I am. 
No, Mr. Gotthold, you must rouse yourself, 
find some occupation, and labor for the future. 
That is your duty, and I have come to remind 
you of it’ 

This one word went like light- 
ning to my soul. I remembered suddenly the 
exhortation of my father, always and under 
all circumstances to do my duty ; and my con- 
science told me very plainly that my present 
duty was by no means an idle brooding over 
my sorrow. It was as if my father himself 
had called to me, ' Do your duty, Ephraim !’ 
and, with a sudden effort, I shook off the 
insensibility to which I had yielded, and at 
once arose. 

“‘You are right, Mr. Jacobi,’ said I, and 


142 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


reached him my hand, which the good man 
pressed and shook heartily, ‘ I thank you for 
having reminded me of my duty; and you 
shall see that you have not done it in vain, and 
without results/ 

“ * That is right, so I love to hear you 
speak,’ replied the old man, visibly rejoiced. 
‘You will not again forget that you owe duties 
to yourself and the world, which must be 
fulfilled.’ 

“ ‘ Indeed I will not forget it,’ was my 
answer, ‘and this very day will I determine 
upon something which you shall know to- 
morrow.’ 

“ Satisfied with this assurance, the brave 
man left me, and I, true to my promise, began 
to consider at once the ways and means of 
securing an honorable position in life. I 
counted my money, and found that forty 
thalers and a few groschen comprised all my 
wealth. That was not much, but, if I lived 


TRIALS OF STUDENT LIFE. 1 43 

Sparingly, it would last two or three months, 
and by that time I hoped a situation would be 
found for me either as tutor or assistant pastor. 
I very well knew that my position at present 
would not be the best; but I was young, I 
possessed some attainments, and I determined 
anew that under these circumstances I would 
at least do my duty. Then, with God’s help, 
I felt that everything would come out right in 
the end. 



CHAPTER X. 

DAY FOLLOWS NIGHT. 

‘ ‘ H E next morning my worthy Mr. 

^ Jacobi came to me at an early hour 
to hear what I had resolved to do. My plans 
won his approbation, and I cannot deny that 
the approval of the brave man made me 
happy, and confirmed me anew in my purpose. 
Without delay, and glowing with zeal, I took 
the first steps toward the fulfillment of my 
purpose, put on my best clothes, and called in 
turn upon the gentlemen whose influence, I 
felt, could easily open to me a field of useful- 
ness. 

“ My first visit was naturally to the superin- 
tendent, because he had more to do than any 
one else with the appointment of teachers and 
( 144) 


DAY FOLLOWS NIGHT. I45 

helpers to the ministry; and besides, I built 
some hope upon the gratitude which I sup- 
posed he felt for my having observed the 
profoundest secrecy in regard to what had 
occurred at the examination of his nephew. 
That I had opened my heart to my honest 
landlord was not to be taken into account, for 
he was, if possible, even more discreet than I. 

“ Nevertheless, the reception I met with 
from the reverend gentleman completely dis- 
appointed my hopes. He treated me very 
coolly, and when with becoming modesty I 
made known my desire, he gave me to under- 
stand that he considered my request, after an 
examination scarcely ended, somewhat bold, if 
not altogether impudent. I then told him that 
I was constrained by the circumstances in 
which I found myself to look for some em- 
ployment ; that my father had left me nothing 
but an honorable name. He also, treated the 
mention of this motive coolly, uttered no 

K 


13 


146 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

sympathizing word at the loss of one of whom 
he had formerly spoken as one of his most 
valued friends, and dismissed me at last with 
the bare promise that he would take my 
request into consideration, and if anything 
occurred to favor it, would bear it in mind. 

“There was nothing very consolatory in 
that, especially when I thought of the manner 
in which the promise had been made. Never- 
theless, I did not allow myself to be dis- 
couraged, but went to the other members of 
the examining committee, who met me indeed 
in a more friendly manner, but regretfully 
shrugged their shoulders, and gave only half- 
way promises that did not open to me the best 
prospects. Only one of them acted toward 
me with unreserved candor — the one who 
before the examination had handed me my 
theme. 

“ ‘ My dear young friend,’ said he to me, 
‘ spare yourself, for the present, the trouble of 


DAY FOLLOWS NIGHT. 1 47 

looking for a salaried place. It will not be 
given you till all who are before you on the 
list, and especially Mr. Bernhardi, the nephew 
of the superintendent, are cared for. As you 
have no influential friends, do not lose your 
time in useless hopes and delays. Find a 
place somewhere as tutor. That is the advice 
I give you. After a while it may go better ; 
and now if an opportunity offers itself to your 
own seeking, no one can prevent your taking 
advantage of it. Follow my advice, it is well 
meant.’ 

“ Indeed, the result proved that the worthy 
man was right. Several places were in a short 
time vacant, of which Mr. Bernhardi, though 
the youngest candidate, received the best, be- 
cause he was the nephew of the superintend- 
ent, and, in the manner already alluded to, had 
passed such an excellent examination. The 
other places were distributed among the rela- 
tives and favorites of influential office-holders, 
and I went away empty. 


148 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

This was a heavy blow for me, and I came 
very near sinking again into utter hopeless- 
ness. But my good friend Jacobi roused me 
once more. 

“ ‘ This worrying is of no use, you must 
act ! ’ said he. ‘ Follow the advice of the only 
real friend you have among the gentlemen of 
the Consistory, and look for a place as tutor. 
Then you will have bread ; and, as for the rest, 
time will shape ways and means.’ 

My worthy landlord, as usual, struck the 
nail on the head. No good could come out 
of worrying; I must act. This necessity ap- 
peared to me the plainer when, after awhile, I 
again counted my little stock of money. The 
thalers seemed to have melted away, and as I 
thought of the time when the last would be 
spent, cold chills ran over me. What then ? 
What then ? It grew utterly dark before my 
eyes as this question forced itself upon me. 

“ Never have I read the advertisements in 


DAY FOLLOWS NIGHT. 1 49 

the newspapers more diligently than I did 
then ; and when I saw any thing that seemed 
to promise employment and bread, the black 
coat was quickly put on, and personal applica- 
tion made. But the one mishap seemed to 
rule me. I always came too late; some one 
had been there before me. Worn-out boots 
and weary limbs alone came out of all my 
efforts. Meanwhile, one thaler disappeared 
after another, although I did not live much 
better than a dog, and denied myself every 
unnecessary expenditure, even the least. But 
there were necessary expenditures enough. 
To live, I had to eat; and although I was satis- 
fied with bread and potatoes, the bread and 
potatoes had to be paid for. Then 1 had to 
keep myself in decent clothes, so as to be able 
to make a respectable appearance should cir- 
cumstances require it ; and thus, to make the 
matter short, my thalers and my hopes became 
daily less. 


150 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

It would have been still worse had it not 
been for the good Jacobi. I believe a kind 
Providence sent me purposely to this man, so 
that I might find in him a friend and com- 
forter; and, indeed, in these respects he dis- 
played a truly Christian spirit. He always 
knew how to divert my thoughts, how to in- 
spire me with courage, and always appeared 
so disinterested that I was at times moved to 
tears. In regard to the payment of my rent 
for my little back room, I was not permitted 
to say a word. ‘After awhile,’ said he, kindly, 
when I handed him the amount that was due, 
and then he pushed the money towards me. 
‘After awhile, when you become a pastor — 
then I will call on you, and we will settle our 
small account ; but until then, do not trouble 
me, and to-day come and take a plate of soup 
with me.’ 

“ He would not listen to any refusal ; I had 
to take dinner with him, and I can truly say 


DAY FOLLOWS NIGHT. 151 

that I had not felt so well for a long time as 
when I partook of the simple meal of this 
worthy mechanic. He and his good wife, a 
noble woman, treated me courteously, and 
paid me as much respect as if I had been the 
host and they had been my guests. The only 
regret was that this serene hour passed away 
so soon. In the loneliness of my room the 
consciousness of my sad condition returned 
with double force, and lay heavy upon my 
depressed, wounded spirit. 

“ Other weeks passed, and yet my prospects 
and hopes^'had not changed, except that my 
money had melted down to a few thalers, so 
that I could name the day when I would be 
utterly destitute. Just then it seemed as if the 
bright sunshine was about to penetrate the 
thick darkness of my life, and that the gloomy 
night would grow somewhat lighter. My old 
friend Jacobi came one evening into my room, 
beaming with joy, and apologized for his haste 
by saying that he had good news for me. 


152 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

“^Yes, yes, excellent news,’ he repeated 
eagerly, when he saw me shake my head in 
sadness and doubt. ‘ Only listen ! I was at 
work to-day for Provost Miller, who sent for 
me to put a new floor in his green-house, and 
the Provost talked to me very kindly and 
freely as he stood looking at the work, when 
an old, white-haired, very respectable-looking 
man entered the garden, whom the Provost no 
sooner observed, than he welcomed him most 
cordially. 

“ ‘ “ I am happy to see you, my dear sir,’ ” 
said he ; “ what tidings do you bring from the 
Count ? He is quite well, I hope.” 

“ ‘ “ Quite well, sir,” replied the old man ; 
“and here is a note from his Excellence, who 
will be much pleased, if to- morrow the Provost 
will have the goodness — ” * 

“ ‘ “ Certainly, certainly^ I will do myself the 
honor,” replied the reverend gentleman. “ I 
shall be most happy to have a talk with the 


DAY FOLLOWS NIGHT. 1 53 

Count, and besides, am a little curious to 
know who has been engaged at last as the 
tutor of the young Count Emil.” 

« < “We have not reached the point yet,” said 
the valet de chambre, smiling. “You are 
aware that the Count has his own peculiar 
views, from which he does not deviate in the 
least, and the day appointed for the selection 
is the young Count’s birthday, which occurs 
day after to-morrow.” 

“ ‘ “ Oh yes, yes, I remember,” said the Pro- 
vost. “ His Excellence is somewhat peculiar. 
The young Count is to select his own teacher 
as a sort of birthday privilege. And his 
grandfather is determined that it shall be thus 
done at random. Shut your eyes, let come 
what will.” 

“Yes, that is precisely the view of his Ex- 
cellence,” said the valet de chambre. “ Twenty- 
one applications for the place have been sent 
in, and all still lie unopened, and are to be 


154 the parsonage of libenau. 

opened on Emil’s birthday, when Emil himself 
is to choose from among them all.” 

“ ‘ “ And he is to be tutor whose application 
the child is pleased to lay hold of?” 

“ ^ “Just so !” assented the valet de chambre. 

“ ‘ “ I cannot approve of it, indeed I cannot !” 
said the Provost, shaking his head. “ So 
weighty an affair as the education of the only 
grandchild and heir of the Count, should not 
be treated so lightly. It will not answer, cer- 
tainly it will not. I must remonstrate earnestly 
with the Count to-morrow.” 

“ ' “ That will lead to nothing, at least ’twill 
not change the Count’s purpose,” replied the 
valet. “ Y ou know that to every remonstrance 
his Excellence will say, * Wise men and chil- 
dren are chosen instruments of God,’ and 
from that sentiment he will not recede.” 

“ ^ “ Self-will ! nothing but self-will !’ ” ex- 
claimed the Provost, indignantly. 

“ ‘ “ The Count looks at it from another point 


DAY FOLLOWS NIGHT. 1 55 

of view,” replied the valet. “ You know, Mr. 
Provost, that the last two teachers were very 
highly recommended, and it turned out that 
the one was not qualified, and the other was 
indiscreet. Therefore his Excellence has no 
confidence in recommendations, but trusts to a 
lucky hit of the little Count.” 

“ ‘ “Well, well,” said the Provost, impatiently, 
“ we must let the thing take its course, and 
will only hope that a higher wisdom will guide 
the hand of the boy to a right decision. At 
what hour will his Excellence wish me to 
call ?” 

“ ‘ “ The carriage will be here for you at 
about eleven o’clock in the morning.” 

« < « Ygi-y well, I will be ready. Present my 
best respects to the Count, who, in spite of his 
little peculiarities, is, after all, a good, honest 
man.” 

“‘“Yes, indeed, that he is, and ever will be,’ 
replied the old valet, who bowed respectfully 


156 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

and left. The Provost accompanied him as 
far as the garden gate, and then returned 
slowly and thoughtfully. 

“ ‘ Now you see, my dear Mr. Gotthold,’ 
continued Mr. Jacobi, ‘ I had heard every 
word of the conversation, for the two gentle- 
men stood scarcely five paces from me, and 
could not help asking myself whether you 
should not take your chance, and announce 
yourself to his Excellence as a candidate for 
the place of tutor to the young Count. So I 
took courage, and inquired of the Provost 
when he again came where I was, all about 
the Count, and what sort of a place the teacher 
would have. The Provost talked pleasantly 
about the matter, and said, “ His Excellence is 
the Count Waldersee, a very rich man, who 
lives but a few miles from the city, and he 
wants a tutor for his nine-year-old grandson, 
Emil, for the choice of whom he has deter- 
mined upon a w'onderful plan, as you have 
learned from the words of the valet.” 


DAY FOLLOWS NIGHT. 1 5/ 

‘ ‘^And can any one try?” inquired I. 

“‘“Oh yes, ten, twenty, thirty more,” replied 
the Provost, “if they are willing to run the 
chance. The opportunity will remain open 
until to-morrow evening. The one who is so 
lucky as to obtain the situation, may congratu- 
late himself, for the Count is a very worthy 
gentleman, and his grandson is a good, tract- 
able child. And besides, the Count has great 
influence in the appointment of ministers to 
several parishes, and if he is satisfied, the tutor 
of his grandson will have no reason to find 
fault. Yet, with all this, I still wonder that 
there are twenty-one applicants on such con- 
ditions. True merit should go before every- 
thing else in securing such a position. I 
hope, indeed, that the good Count will not 
have reason to repent of his strange freak.” 

“ ‘ With these words the Provost left me. 
I, however, worked with double diligence in 
order to finish my day’s job, and now I am 


14 


158 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

here to tell you all. Is it not a good prospect 
that is thus opened to you, Mr. Gotthold ? 
Sit down quickly, write a first-rate application 
and to-morrow morning early away to the 
castle. Who knows? — perhaps you may be 
favored with the good luck, which, after all, 
comes from above, and be chosen as the tutor 
of the young Count, and after awhile receive 
the appointment of village pastor through 
Count Waldersee’s influence.’ 



CHAPTER XI. 

A MORNING WALK. 

kind-hearted Jacobi meant it well, 
that I could easily see ; but with his 
idea of the good prospect I could not coincide. 
Why should fortune favor me among so many ? 
To me it seemed folly to build my hope upon 
such a possibility, and at first I declined to act 
in the matter. This somewhat awakened 
Jacobi’s displeasure. 

‘ It may be that fortune will not favor 
you,’ he exclaimed, excitedly. ‘ But what will 
you lose if you write the application and take 
a pleasant walk of two hours ? It is at least 
your duty to make the attempt, and then let 
your heavenly Father manage all the rest. 
(159) 


i6o 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


When you have done what you can, you will 
have no reason to reproach yourself, however 
it may terminate.’ 

“ The good Jacobi knew my weak side, and 
that when he urged duty upon me, I was sure 
to yield. Although without any hope of 
success, I submitted to his advice, wrote my 
application, and early the next morning started 
for the castle. Mr. Jacobi himself waked me 
at daybreak, and enjoined upon me to go at 
once to the old valet, hand him my letter, and 
especially bespeak his good-will. 

“ ‘ I have seen,’ said he, ‘ how politely and 
respectfully the Provost treated him, and from 
this, one may conclude that the man must 
stand high in favor of the Count. Manage 
the business as handsomely as you can, Mr. 
Gotthold.’ 

“ I began my walk with a heavy heart, but 
the beautiful morning soon exerted a salutary 
influence over me. The blue sky, the beaming 


A MORNING WALK. 


I6l 

sun, the millions of shining dewdrops scattered 
like diamonds over meadow and forest, the 
soft twitter of the birds, refreshed and exhila- 
rated me, imparted new elasticity to my soul, 
and inspired me with a serene trust in God’s 
paternal care. 

“ ‘ Why are you anxious and troubled about 
the coming day ?’ said I to myself. ' He who 
spreads the table of the birds in the woods, 
will not forget one of his needy human chil- 
dren.’ 

“ Resigning myself to such thoughts and 
feelings, I went gladly on. My heart, indeed, 
began to beat more rapidly as I entered the 
park that surrounded the castle of Count 
Waldersee, but I still felt that God would 
order all things in the best possible way, and 
again I went courageously forward. 

“Coming nearer to the castle, I turned aside 
into a somewhat dense thicket to brush the 

dust from my boots and clothes, that I might 
* L 


14 ' 


1 62 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

look as decent as possible on reaching the 
castle, and was still busy when I heard a cry 
for help, uttered by a tender voice quite near 
me. Frightened, I forced my way through 
the bushes, and found myself before a muddy 
pond surrounded with rushes, in which a boy 
was struggling. Without a moment’s delib- 
eration, without thinking of my best suit of 
clothes, I sprang into the water, which, fortu- 
nately, was not very deep, waded to the boy, 
took him in my arms, and carried him to the 
shore. I had scarcely reached the dry ground 
when an old man came running rapidly from 
the castle, snatched the boy from my arms, 
assured himself that he was safe and sound, 
and then first took notice of me. 

“ ‘ I pray you, wait a moment until I return,’ 
said he ; ‘ I will see that the boy is put to bed, 
and will come at once back to you.’ 

^^With these words he left, endeavoring to 
quiet the child, who was still weeping, and 


A MORNING WALK. 1 63 

disappeared with him into the castle. Mean- 
while, I stood there sad and dejected; for a 
glance at my clothes convinced me that I 
could not appear before the count in such a 
plight. Mud and decayed rushes covered me 
half way up to my neck with a thick crust, 
and it was quite impossible to clean it off 
before it was dry. To this was added another 
source of consternation. I thought of my 
letter that I had put carefully into my pocket, 
and now drew it out only to have my worst 
fears confirmed, for it was thoroughly soaked 
with muddy water, and in such a condition 
could not be handed in. In vain I tried to 
clean it with my pocket-handkerchief ; it was, 
and remained, wet, stained, and dirty so that 
one could hardly read the address. 

“ ‘It was not to be, good Jacobi !’ murmured 
I sadly to myself, as, with a sorrowful look, I 
contemplated the poor, spoiled, useless writing. 
‘ Your hopes and mine are sunk in the mire, 


164 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

and I can do nothing better than return 
whence I came.’ 

Having abandoned every thought of going 
to the castle, I endeavored to make my clothes 
as decent as possible by rubbing them with 
some clean water which I found in a less 
marshy part of the pond ; and I was still 
diligently engaged in this task, when the old 
gentleman who had taken the boy from me, 
returned with unlooked-for promptness, and, 
in a friendly manner, tapped me on the 
shoulder. 

“ ‘ Ha ! what are you doing here, my dear 
sir ?’ said he to me. ‘ Washing clothes ? 
That we can attend to much better in the 
castle. And what do I see ? You have been 
crying ! What in all the world has happened 
to you ?’ 

“ I could not deny to myself that the sudden 
destruction of all my hopes had indeed ex- 
torted involuntary tears of sadness, but wanted, 


A MORNING WALK. 1 6 $ 

if possible, to conceal this from the friendly 
old man, whom, according to the description 
of Mr. Jacobi, I took to be the valet of the 
Count ; so I said that I had perhaps spattered 
some of the muddy water in my eye, and gave 
him to understand that it would be impossible 
for me to go to the castle in my present 
condition. 

“ ‘Ay, that would be finer still !’ replied he, 
and took me without ceremony by the arm. 
‘After springing into the water to save a 
strange child, and after having spoiled a good 
suit of clothes, will you add to all this a cold 
and a fever, and who knows what not ? By 
no means. Come with me, put on other 
clothes, dry and warm yourself, and — I think 
we will then have a few more words together, 
for, if all appearances do not deceive me, you 
are a candidate of theology.’ 

“As I followed him half unwillingly, I had 
to admit the truth of his supposition, and 


i66 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


whilst he was caring for me in the castle, and 
assisted me in undressing and dressing, and 
wrapped me in a beautiful warm morning- 
gown, and placed tea and coffee before me, 
he drew from me, in the easiest way in the 
world, the object of my coming. 

“ ^And you intended to go away without 
leaving your letter ?’ said he. ‘ No, no, my 
dear young friend ; out with it, and I will take 
care that it is delivered to the Count.’ 

“ ‘ It will not answer ; the writing is wet and 
dirty,’ replied I, as I took it out of my coat 
pocket. ‘ Here, you can see for yourself, it is 
not fit to be delivered.’ 

“ ‘ Hem ! then we will write another,’ said 
he. ‘ Or — hold ! We will not write another, 
we will keep this. Let me have it as it is, and 
we will see whether it will not be as good as, 
or better than, all the rest’ 

“ I was not inclined to part with the soiled 
paper, but he took it without ceremony out of 


A MORNING WALK. 1 6 / 

my hand, and locked it up in a drawer. Then 
he seated himself beside me again, talked 
about many things, asked me concerning my 
past life, alluded to my studies, my parents, 
and other matters ; and was withal so friendly, 
so unreserved, so paternal in his manner, that 
I conversed with the utmost freedom, and did 
not conceal from him the unpleasant circum- 
stances in which I found myself. Nor did I 
hesitate to tell him how I had been induced at 
last to apply to the Count for the position of 
tutor to his grandson, at which the old man 
rubbed his hands as if very much delighted. 

“ ‘All good ! All very good !’ said he. 
‘But how could you be so inconsiderate as to 
rush at once into the water when the child 
cried for help? You might have predicted 
that you could not appear before the Count in 
your soiled clothes.’ 

“ ‘ Yes, truly, of this I did not think at that 
moment,’ replied I. ‘And besides, even if I 


1 68 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

had thought of it, with the boy it was a ques- 
tion of life, with me it was only a question of 
personal appearance, so that there was no 
choice left.’ 

“ In such conversation nearly the whole 
morning passed away. Meanwhile, my clothes 
were dried and cleaned, I again put them on, 
and prepared to depart. The old gentleman 
did not attempt to detain me any longer than 
enabled him to fill my pockets with everything 
that was good to eat, and then accompanied 
me to the gate of the park. Here he took 
friendly leave of me, and placed a small white 
package in my hand, with the words, ‘ For a 
new suit of clothes to replace those that are 
spoiled,’ and as I passed out of the park into 
the road, he said playfully, ‘ Greet old Jacobi 
for me, and tell him I confidently hope that he 
will hear something agreeable before long,’ 
and then with rapid steps he disappeared 
behind the shrubbery. 


A MORNING WALK. 1 69 

Somewhat disconcerted, I looked after 
him, and then at the white package in my 
hand, which, though not large, felt quite 
heavy. Curiosity tempted me to open the 
paper at once ; but I was still so very near the 
park that I restrained this feeling, and with 
long strides hastened on until I reached a 
sheltering grove. Here I unfolded my little 
treasure, when, behold, six bright gold pieces 
fell into my open hand. 

“ ‘ That I call magnanimous !’ exclaimed I, 
involuntarily. And, indeed, it was a generous 
gift, for my clothes had not suffered much 
from my bath in the pond, and would easily 
have lasted two or three years. Therefore I 
could make other use of the money, and 
breathed freely when I calculated that it would 
secure me a three months’ livelihood if I 
managed with economy. 

‘ My old friend Jacobi will be glad,’ 
thought I. ‘ The three hours’ journey has 

15 


I/O THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

not been made for nothing, even if I do not 
become tutor at the castle.’ 

‘‘And, indeed, upon this result I reckoned 
very little. With the six gold pieces I was 
content. Why should the valet give me so 
large a sum if he had any hope that I would 
be chosen as the teacher of the Count’s grand- 
son? No, I could banish all such expecta- 
tions from my thoughts ! 



CHAPTER XII. 

THE COUNT OF WALDERSEE. 

nnOWARDS evening I reached home 
^ again, and found my old friend Jacobi 
in a fever of curiosity. I had to tell him to a 
hair how it had gone with me, and he listened 
with intense interest to every word. I had to 
describe to him, particularly, the old gentle- 
man who had treated me in such a friendly 
manner; and it seemed as if strange suspicions 
were awakened in his mind, for he looked sur- 
prised, and shook his head repeatedly. 

“'1 do not know,’ said he, ' but according 
to your description that certainly could not 
have been the valet.’ 

‘ But who, then, could it have been ?’ 

(171) 


1/2 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

“‘That is hard to tell. But, at all events, 
your prospects do not seem to me to be very 
bad.’ 

“ I reminded him of the six gold pieces, and 
asked him whether he did not think I ought 
to regard them as a settlement of all my 
claims ; but this he would not admit. 

“ ‘ Why trouble our heads with conjectures?’ 
he exclaimed at last. ‘ To-morrow everything 

will be determined, and then we will 

see !’ 

“ I slept quietly and soundly that night, for 
I had fully persuaded myself that I would 
never obtain the situation. Nevertheless, the 
next morning I felt my heart beat. At this 
very moment, perhaps, the lot was being cast 
for one among the many applicants. Perhaps 
the question was already decided, and a 
tremor ran through my limbs as these thoughts 
involuntarily arose. ‘ If it were indeed possi- 
ble ! If perchance the choice has fallen upon 


THE COUNT OF WALDERSEE. 1/3 

me ! If the good fortune should really turn 
out to be mine !’ 

“ But no ; to cling to any such hope would 
be folly indeed ! I gathered up all my 
strength, conquered my agitation, took a piece 
of work in hand, and became so interested in 
it that I was quite absorbed in the solution of 
the problem before me, and forgot everything 
else. 

But all at once I was startled by a noise 
out-doors. A carriage rolled rapidly through 
our street, and stopped right before Mr. 
Jacobi’s house. This was the first time such 
an event had occurred since I had lived there, 
and it seemed to indicate something of unusual 
importance. With a beating heart I sprang 
up and hastened to the window. I heard 
voices ; one was that of a stranger, and the 
other was that of my old friend Jacobi. 

Yes, he lives here,’ said the latter, in a 
cheerful tone. ^ Have you good news for 
him ?’ 


5 - 


174 - the parsonage of libenau. 

“ ' I hope so/ said the other voice ; ' good 
for him and also pleasant for you, as the Count 
thinks. Besides, I have also a special mes- 
sage for yourself’ 

“ ‘ There is time enough for that,’ exclaimed 
my old friend, in the gladness of his heart. 
‘ First of all, what have you for Mr. Gotthold ? 
I can almost guess what it is. Come in, come 
in ! Oh, what a joy that would be !’ 

“ Rapid steps now approached. I felt that 
I was quite pale, my head swam, the world 
seemed to turn round me, I, too, began to 
foresee something good, and emotions of joy 
welled up in my soul, and almost deprived me 
of breath and consciousness. And now my 
door sprang open — Mr. Jacobi ushered an 
elderly man into the room and cried out, 
* That is he ! That is the candidate Gotthold ! 
And now tell your good news without further 
delay.’ 

“The stranger measured me with a friendly 


THE COUNT OF WALDERSEE. 1 75 

look, and handed me a sealed letter, with the 
words: ‘From his excellence, the Count of 
Waldersee.’ 

“ My old friend Jacobi seemed in ecstasy, 
and I myself so trembled that I could hardly 
break the seal of the letter. A single glance 
at the few lines informed me that my pleasant 
forebodings were this time no deceptive dream. 
It stood in black and white that I had been 
chosen as the tutor of the young Count Emil. 

“ My joy was great, for a kind Providence 
had removed the whole burden of my anxiety 
at once. My good Jacobi embraced me with 
tears in his eyes, and a long time elapsed 
before the violence of our emotions subsided. 

“ ‘ I see already,’ said the valet to me, ‘ that 
you are pleased with the letter sent by my 
most worthy master. The Count invites you 
to dinner to-day, and if you accept the invita- 
tion, as I hope you will, we have not much 
time to -lose. You will return with me, will 
you not?’ 


iy6 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

“ ‘ With great pleasure/ replied 1. ‘ In five 

minutes I will be at your service.’ 

‘ And Mr. Jacobi will accompany you, for 
the Count wishes him to do some work, in re- 
gard to which a consultation is necessary.’ 

“‘Yes, I will go along, and be glad to 
do so, as it will enable me to express to 
the Count my heartfelt gratitude,’ exclaimed 
Mr. Jacobi. ‘ And with my work, if he gives 
me a job, he will be sure to be satisfied.’ 

“ In ten minutes we were duly seated in the 
carriage, and while the horses were trotting 
rapidly towards the castle, I had the oppor- 
tunity of asking the valet how it was that 
fortune had so highly favored me. 

“ ‘ The Count will soon tell you all that,’ re- 
plied he, and referred me to the Count and his 
grandson for the answers to all my questions. 
‘ They will tell you,’ was his invariable reply, 
and pretended not to know who the boy was 
whom I had taken out of the water, or the old 


THE COUNT OF WALDERSEE. 

gentleman who had entertained me so kindly 
at the castle. ‘ They will tell you/ was the 
only answer I received. 

“ I did not have long to wait, for the two 
black horses before our light carriage went 
with a bird-like speed, and brought us in less 
than an hour to the castle. As soon as we 
alighted the valet led the way to a large, 
beautiful room, where I found myself in the 
presence of my old acquaintance of the day 
before, who extended his hand cordially as 
the valet whispered in my ear, ‘ His Excel- 
lence, the Count.’ 

“ My surprise was by no means slight. The 
day before I had taken the Count for his valet, 
and had treated him so very familiarly that 
now I could scarcely gain composure enough 
to stammer a few words of apology, which 
were smilingly disclaimed. 

‘‘ ^ Make no allusion to that, my young 

friend,’ said the Count. ‘ I am glad of the 

M 


1/8 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

opportunity it afforded me of talking to you 
without reserve. You were introduced to me 
m the very best manner in the world, and little 
Emil has not yet forgotten that you took him 
out of the water so promptly and resolutely. 
He is very happy at the thought of becoming 
better acquainted, and here he is himself to 
express his thanks with his own mouth.’ 

‘‘A beautiful boy came running in, and 
sprang up to me. It was the little fellow 
whom I had rescued the day before. Without 
ceremony he fell upon my neck, and in ten 
minutes we were well acquainted, and the best 
of friends. 

“ I now understood, at last, to what circum- 
stances I owed my good luck. The Count 
had told his grandson the day before for what 
purpose I had come to the castle, and when 
the shrewd boy noticed my soiled letter 
among the many that were clean and snow- 
white, explained to him how it had become 


THE COUNT OF WALDERSEE. 1 79 

Stained with mud and water. This determined 
his preference. I had reason to thank the 
Count for having thus given direction to the 
choice of his grandson ; but much more did I 
feel thankful to God for his paternal guidance 
of my destiny ; and I prayed for his help that 
I might become worthy of my good fortune 
by the most faithful performance of my duty. 
Whilst the young Count Emil was talking 
with me, his grandfather was conversing with 
Mr. Jacobi, and the happy look of my worthy 
landlord told me plainly enough how entirely 
satisfied he was with the interview. 

“ The Count gave him several commissions, 
which proved very profitable to my old friend, 
and in the happiest humor we at length took 
our places at the table, where many kind 
wishes were expressed in regard to the future. 

“ Thus was I provided for, and I could 
think of the coming days without anxiety. 
Indeed, I must reckon the years which I spent 


i8o 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


in the castle, among the happiest of my life. 
I received a very fair salary, the Count always 
treated me with unvarying kindness, and my 
young pupil loved me. My daily life was not 
obscured by a single cloud, and ten years 
passed in the enjoyment of a happiness so 
pure as to be seldom the lot of human beings. 

** 1 could not complain, therefore, when this 
long-continued happiness was interrupted by a 
severe trial. This was my separation from my 
pupil. Count Emil, now of age, entered into 
public life. The reigning sovereign invited 
him to the city, and gave him a place of honor 
near his own person by naming him his 
private secretary. I remained with the old 
Count. 

“ ‘ Wait yet a year or two,’ said he, as, 
shortly after the departure of Count Emil, we 
were talking about my future prospects, ‘ then 
we will pension our good old pastor in 
Buchenrode, and give you the vacant place. 


THE COUNT OF WALDERSEE. l8l 

You know it is one of the best of country 
charges, and, as I have something to say in 
the matter, you may consider it as good as 
settled in your favor. But you must remain 
with me a short time longer. I miss Emil 
very much, and if I were to lose you at the 
same time, it would be far too lonely for me 
here in the castle.’ 

“ Most cheerfully I assented to the Count’s 
wish, for I esteemed and loved him with all 
my heart, And the separation would have been 
a severe trial for me also. Besides, I could 
not have desired a better position than the one 
I had. I possessed a competency, and had 
enough to do. Buchenrode was but a short 
distance from Waldersee castle; the settled 
pastor was old, and very glad to have me 
share the labors of his office. So I preached 
almost every Sunday in his church, and lent a 
helping hand in the other duties of the parish, 
and thus not only found useful employment, 

i6 


i 82 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


but at the same time became acquainted with 
the congregation that was soon to be entirely 
under my care. The rest of my time I 
devoted to the Count, and thus tried to fill the 
gap which the departure of Emil had left. 

“A year passed in this manner. Then the 
pastor of Buchenrode died, and the Count 
renewed the promise that no one but myself 
should succeed him. Indeed, the necessary 
steps were taken without delay. According 
to custom, I was required to preach a trial 
sermon, after which I was to be chosen by the 
congregation, the Count was to ratify the call, 
and then nothing more would be wanting but 
the assent of the reigning sovereign, to whom 
the call was to be sent for this purpose. But 
this was a mere empty form, and I already 
regarded myself as the pastor of Buchenrode, 
and as such I was regarded by the congrega- 
tion. The Count had even wished me success 
and the divine blessing in my new position, of 


THE COUNT OF WALDERSEE. 1 83 

which I felt so sure that I would as soon have 
thought it possible for the heavens to fall as 
for all these prospects and hopes to be sud- 
denly extinguished. 

‘"Just then the sad intelligence came from 
the city that Count Emil had been severely 
injured by his horse while hunting. We rode 
to the city in great haste. The Count was 
deeply afflicted, for he loved his grandson 
most tenderly ; and, besides, he was the last of 
his family, and the heir of all his wealth. If 
he were to die, the house of Waldersee would 
be at an^ end. Sad thoughts agitated the old 
Count, and I tried in vain to inspire him with 
the hope that the cup of sorrow would pass 
away. He would not listen to my words, and, 
sad to say, his worst forebodings were fulfilled. 
When we reached the city, we found that Emil 
had already died, and the old Count took to 
his bed with a broken heart. In three days 
he and his grandson were buried together. 


184 the parsonage of libenau* 

“ I will not attempt to describe the influence 
of these events upon my feelings. It was as 
if I had lost a father and a brother. I did not 
yet know that all my hopes were lost w'ith 
them. 


CHAPTER XIII. 


all’s well that ends well. 
^^y^BOUT four weeks after this I learned 
from the officers of the church in 
Buchenrode that the Consistorium had given 
notice of the installation of the new pastor of 
the village on the following Sabbath, and that 
the name of the new pastor was Bernhardi. 
My friends, the church officers, were more in- 
dignant than I, and insisted upon my not giv- 
ing up my well-established right, urging me 
to go to the city at once, and represent to the 
reigning sovereign the ground of my claim. 
To this end they had already made out a paper 
in which they had fully discussed all the cir- 
cumstances, and begged in conclusion that the 
pastor of their choice, whose selection had 
i6* (185) 


1 86 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

been sanctioned by the honored Count Wal- 
dersee, should not be taken from them, in order 
to put another in his place whom they could 
not love, and in whom they had no confidence. 

With this document I hastened to the city 
and proceeded at once to the palace so as to 
bring my complaint directly to the notice of 
the Prince, and ask of him justice and protec- 
tion. I felt assured of both — but it so hap- 
pened that the Prince had left two days before. 
This news fell upon me like a thunder-clap. 
Nevertheless, conscious of the righteousness 
of my cause, I did not lose courage, but went 
to the superintendent, and stated the case to 
him. He heard me coldly and unmoved, and 
at last gave me to understand that the consent 
of the Count of Waldersee to my election was 
null and void, because the royal signature had 
not been placed upon my call, and that since 
the death of the Count the appointment rested 
with the Consistorium, who had already dis- 


all’s well that ends well. 187 

posed of it. Therefore there could be no con- 
sideration of my claims. With this explana- 
tion I was dismissed. 

Thus at the end of eleven years I found 
myself precisely at the point from which I 
started. I was again the poor candidate, with- 
out prospects or hopes, and the future lay be- 
fore me as dark and bewildering as ever. I 
had also lost my last friend, the kind-hearted 
old Jacobi, and thus I stood once more entirely 
alone in the world. I was required to vacate 
my rooms in the Waldersee Castle, and the 
fragments I had gathered from all my former 
prosperity amounted to only a few hundred 
thalers. 

“ I cannot deny that these sad changes in 
my condition afflicted me deeply, yet I did not 
murmur, but endeavored to submit in humility 
to the will of him who chastens those whom 
he loves. One stroke of misfortune had fol- 
lowed another, and it seemed as if the mist 


1 88 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

that now obscured my happiness would be 
likely to remain. Meanwhile I determined 
that, as before in the day of my need, I would 
retrench my expenses, and at the same time 
leave no means untried to obtain some posi- 
tion of usefulness. Acting upon this determ- 
ination, the darkest clouds passed away sooner 
than I had ventured to hope. It was not long 
before the Prince returned from his journey, 
when I at once obtained access to him, told 
him frankly and without reserve how matters 
had gone with me, and found the heartiest 
sympathy. 

“ ‘ I know nothing about all this,’ said he, in 
the most gracious manner. ‘ It is plain that 
you have been dealt with unjustly. Let me 
manage the business, and I promise that you 
will soon hear from me again.’ 

“ Greatly rejoiced and encouraged — for I 
saw plainly that the Prince was in earnest — I 
left the palace. Nor did I have to wait long 


all’s well that ends well. 189 

for the result. In a very few days the Prince 
sent for me, and received me with the same 
kindness and condescension as before. 

“ ‘ My dear Gotthold,’ said he, ‘ I have 
looked thoroughly into this matter, and am 
now certain that you have been treated with 
great injustice. I am only sorry that the 
thing cannot be changed. It has happened; 
and even we princes are sometimes constrained 
to be discreet. Old Bernhardi, whose son had 
got your place, is a tried and true servant of 
mine ; and then the feelings of the superintend- 
ent must also be spared ; in short, it will not 
answer to make a change now, and the good 
people of Buchenrode will have to be content 
with their pastor. But, without doubt, a repar- 
ation is due to you. The pastor of Libenau is 
not in the best health, and desires an assistant. 
I offer you this place, and a yearly salary of 
four hundred thalers. That is indeed not the 
half of what you deserve, but I add to it the 


190 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

assurance that no one but yourself shall be 
promoted to the pastorate of Libenau, should 
it become vacant. I hope you will accept this 
offer. It is the best I can do for you now.’ 

“ I was more than satisfied ; and, deeply 
moved, thanked the Prince for his kindness. 
I received my appointment without any trial 
sermon, and came to Libenau to spend my 
days gladly and peacefully. 

“ The pastor of Libenau gave me an affec- 
tionate welcome. His daughter, my dear wife 
Elizabeth, found the way easily to my heart, 
and her own father sealed our marriage vows 
at the altar. A few years after he exchanged 
his earthly home for the heavenly, and I 
became his successor, as my worthy Prince 
had promised. 

“ Since then, we have lived here in peace, 
the divine blessing has rested upon us, con- 
cord and true love have enabled us to bear 
easily many privations, and helped us through 


all’s well that ends well. 191 

many sorrows ; and therefore we believe that 
God will be a Father to us still, and be ever at 
our side, and that he will also care for the 
future of our children. As for myself, I know 
from experience that when one does his duty 
faithfully, God will not withhold his help. To 
him be praise and thanksgiving forever and 
ever. It has also been my lot* to fold in my 
arms and press to my heart my dear, long- 
absent brother Kurt, whom our heavenly 
Father has brought to us safe and sound. 
This is indeed a precious favor, for which I am 
thankful from my inmost soul. The Lord 
grant that we may live together many years, 
and rejoice together in our mutual love ! ” 
“Yes, may the Lord grant it!’ said Uncle 
Kurt, in a voice full of emotion, as he warmly 
grasped the hand of his brother. “ I, for my 
part, will not consent to separate from you 
all very easily. But one thing more, dear 
brother. You have not mentioned Bernhardi 


192 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

again : does he still live ? and is he still in 
Buchenrode ? ” 

“ Oh, no,” replied the pastor. “About three 
or four years ago, for reasons which I never 
learned, the superintendent resigned his office, 
and soon afterwards Bernhardi was removed 
from his place. During a journey of inspec- 
tion made by the new superintendent, it was 
discovered that Bernhardi had been guilty of 
frequent neglects of duty; and besides, there 
were such well-grounded complaints on the 
part of the congregation, that it was found 
necessary to make an example of him. He 
had retained his position only through the 
influence of his uncle; when this support 
failed, his incapacity was fully brought to 
light, and reacted in bringing disgrace upon 
himself So far as I have been able to learn, 
he is living in the city on a small pension ; not, 
of course, in the most splendid style.” 

“ Who sows the wind must not wonder if in 


all’s well that ends well. 193 

the end he reaps the whirlwind,” said Uncle 
Kurt. “ But you, dear brother ? After the 
resignation of the superintendent, was nothing 
done for your promotion?” 

“ I myself thought of that,” replied the 
pastor. “And when the new superintendent of 
the Consistorium visited Libenau in his tour 
of inspection, I threw out a slight hint to him, 
but nothing came of it. I received the 
assurance, indeed, that my case would be con- 
sidered; but owing to the many duties of the 
new superintendent, it was doubtless for- 
gotten.” 

“Hem! You should have refreshed his 
memory,” said Uncle Kurt. “ It is nothing 
more than just that after such long and faithful 
service you should at least receive a fair com- 
pensation.” 

“ I do not want to seem bold and impor- 
tunate, brother Kurt,” replied the pastor, 
modestly. “Besides, I get along tolerably 
17 N 


194 the parsonage of libenau. 

well, so that I have put off from time to time 
sending a written application for an increase 
of salary, and thus everything has continued 
in the old way.” 

” But your children? Do you not think of 
the future, brother Ephraim ? ” said the uncle. 
“You have managed to live while they were 
yet young; but when, sooner or later, Wilhelm 
and Conrad enter the university, or wish to 
obtain a knowledge of business, where is the 
necessary money to come from ?” 

“ God will take care of that ! ” replied the 
pastor, with quiet confidence. “'They must 
also do their duty, and then you and I know 
that all will be well in the end.” 

“All very true and beautiful,” said Uncle 
Kurt, smiling. “ But I would like to lay a 
wager that it would not be at all unpleasant to 
you if your meagre pay were doubled. What 
say you ? ” 

“ That will probably never happen,” said the 
good pastor, quite resigned. 


all’s well that ends well. 195 
But suppose it did ?” 

“Ah yes, that would indeed be splendid ! I 
could then provide for the children liberally; 

and besides but that is not to be thought 

of.” 

“ Besides,” continued the uncle, smiling 
good-naturedly, “ new flowers could be pur- 
chased, hot-beds could be prepared, and a 
small conservatory could be built. Yes, yes, 
that we all know. Do not blush so, brother 
Ephraim. Your partiality is so innocent, and 
at the same time so pleasant, that you have 
no reason to reproach yourself Besides — we 
will see ! Perhaps your neighbor at the villa 
will do something for you. I will spur him 
up a little. The man has some influence in 
the city, and there is no telling what he can 
do if he will only take the trouble.” 

“Ah, brother Kurt, don’t you let your 
horses run away with you!” said the good 
pastor, endeavoring to parry his brother’s 


196 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

playful speech in a tone of corresponding 
pleasantry. If you talk in this way you will 
put notions into my wife’s head that will never 
be realized, and thus make her discontented 
with our somewhat hard and restricted, quiet 
life. Surely not, brother, surely not! One 
can be happy with little; and, thank God, we 
are happy. One should not trouble himself 
with fruitless wishes. We must not look to 
those who are more prospered than ourselves, 
but to those who have to battle harder than 
we. God has always helped us, and will help 
us still. He who takes care of the ravens will 
not abandon our children if they do their duty 
well. And now, enough of this for to-day ! 
Uncle Kurt shall not turn our heads with his 
fabulous air-castles.” 

Uncle Kurt laughed. “You are right, 
brother, and I am wrong,” said he. “ No 
more air-castles then, but realities. And this 
reminds me that Bio must have returned from 


all’s well that ends well. 197 

the city. See, Wilhelm, quickly, whether he 
is not here.” 

“ Certainly he is here, uncle,” replied the 
boy. “ He came into the garden an hour 
ago ; but when he saw us sitting here he went 
away again, probably because he did not want 
to disturb us.” 

“ That was all right,” said the uncle. “ But 
now I want to see him as soon as possible, 
and learn what news he ha,s brought. Do not 
wait for me if I should not return in good 
season, for it is possible that I may have to 
call on your neighbor, the banker, once more.” 

“At this late hour, when it is nearly night ?” 
said the pastor, wondering. 

“Yes, at this very hour, in spite of night 
and darkness,” replied the uncle. “And dur- 
ing the whole of to-morrow, it may be, my 
business will detain me. Very important 
transactions, brother Ephraim! But do not 


17 


198 THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 

forget that to-morrow we are invited over 
there — do you hear ? Children and all.” 

The good pastor shook his head thought- 
fully. “ This is still a riddle to me,” said he. 
‘‘And you too, brother Kurt, you are likewise 
a riddle, with your business and your secrets. 
I don’t know what to make of it.” 

“To-morrow you will know all,” replied 
the uncle, smiling, and then vanished. The 
pastor’s family did not see him again that 
night. 



0 


CHAPTER XIV. 

THE PASTOR LOSES HIS FLOWERS. 

HE next morning, when Friederike took 



her uncle’s coffee to his room, to her 
surprise she found the room empty, and to her 
still greater surprise she noticed that his bed 
had not been disturbed, and hastened, quite 
alarmed, to her mother, to communicate to her 
this important news. At first, the mother 
was likewise somewhat surprised, but then she 
remembered the parting words of yesterday. 

“ I can readily suppose that your uncle 
slept last night at the banker’s,” said she. 
^‘Who knows what important business they 
may have had to transact with each other! 
But to-day everything will be explained. I 


( 199) 


200 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


wonder what keeps your father. ^ Go at once, 
Friederike, and call him before his coffee gets 
cold. He must be in the garden, at work 
again upon his underground green-house.” 

Friederike hastened to obey, but met her 
father, pale and troubled, at the door. 

“ Dearest Gotthold, what has happened to 
you ? ” exclaimed his wife, as he entered the 
room. “ You look so dreadful ! Surely there 
must be something wrong in the house.” 

“In the house? That I do not know,” 
replied the pastor, in a depressed tone ; “ but 
this much I know, that in the garden every- 
thing is out of order, or rather everything has 
vanished. All my plants that were growing 
in pots have disappeared. There is not a pot 
to be seen.” 

“ Father, you are dreaming ! ” cried the 
mother. “ How can that be possible ? ” 

“ Convince yourself, Elizabeth,” replied the 
pastor. “ Everything, everything is gone.” 


THE PASTOR LOSES HIS FLOWERS. 201 


All hurried into the garden without think- 
ing of the breakfast that stood waiting; and 
behold, the good pastor had not said too 
much : the pots had indeed all disappeared 
from their stands ; not a single one remained. 

That is certainly very singular,” said the 
pastor’s wife. “ Have you no suspicion as to 
how this may have occurred ?” 

“ None ! Not the most remote ! For that 
any one has stolen my flowers, I cannot be- 
lieve. Who could have done me such a mis- 
chief? None of my parishioners, certainly ; 
for they all know that I would gladly divide 
my treasures with them.” 

Suddenly the good wife’s eyes brightened, 
and she clapped her hands as if exuberant 
with joy. “I have it! I know the thief!” cried 
she. 

“Who is it?” inquired the pastor, eagerly. 

“ See ! ” said the mother, and pointed to 
footprints which all went towards the back 


202 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


garden-gate that opened into the banker’s 
park. “ Our neighbor has taken the liberty 
to prepare a small surprise for you, and has 
ordered your plants to be removed into his 
garden during the night.” 

Pastor Gotthold shook his head. ^‘What 
could induce our neighbor to do anything of 
the kind ?” said he. “ Impossible ! impossi- 
ble ! Could the gardener perhaps * * but 

no, I cannot conceive of such malice ! No 
one can be so wicked as to destroy my inno- 
cent pleasure ! ” 

“ No, no ! ” said the wife. “ I imagine 
something altogether different. You certainly 
know, dear husband, that brother Kurt did 
not come home last night, but, as I doubt not, 
remained at the banker’s. He has certainly 
spoken a good word for you there, and I 
would like to wager that your flowers have 
been taken to our neighbor’s green-house, to 
be wintered there. You must have noticed. 


THE PASTOR LOSES HIS FLOWERS. 203 

Gotthold, that your brother has great influ- 
ence with the banker. To what else are we to 
ascribe his calling here, and the invitation we 
have received to dine there to-day? Be as- 
sured, dear Gotthold, that your flower-pots are 
in excellent order, and have the best care.” 

That is indeed possible ! ” said the pastor, 
and his sad face lighted up at once. “ But I 
cannot be entirely satisfied until I have seen 
with my own eyes that your suspicion is cor- 
rect. I must run over there at once, and take 
a look at the green-house.” 

No sooner said than done. Pastor Gotthold 
hastened to the garden-gate, but found it — 
fastened ! 

“Well, this is remarkable !” he exclaimed. 
“ Did you fasten it, Elizabeth ?” 

“ No, not your wife ; but I have taken the 
liberty, brother Ephraim,” said Uncle Kurt, 
whose laughing face was now visible from be- 
hind a bush near the latticed fence. “ Good 


204 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


morning, brother ! Good morning, dear sister ! 
Do not take it amiss that for the present I 
have shut you out from here, for I have my 
own good reasons for it.” 

“ But, brother Kurt, I must go into the 

park,” said the pastor. “ My flower-pots ” 

“ Have during the night taken legs or wings 
and gone away secretly — I know, I know,” 
interrupted Uncle Kurt, laughing. “ There- 
fore you must hot come in here before noon, 
therefore I have fastened the gate, and there- 
fore I have been watching here for the last 
half-hour in order to tell you. Only have pa- 
tience, a little patience, dear brother ! The few 
hours between this and mid-day will soon pass, 
and then you can assure yourself* that your 
neighbor is not so bad as you think. For the 
present, adieu ! to meet again at the villa. 
When the clock strikes twelve the gate will 
again be open. Adieu ! ” 

With another friendly nod. Uncle Kurt dis- 


THE PASTOR LOSES HIS FLOWERS. 205 

appeared behind the bushes. Pastor Gott- 
hold gazed after him, wondering what it all 
meant. 

“ Everything here is becoming more and 
more enigmatical,” he muttered to himself. 

Brother Kurt seems to me a hobgoblin, who 
does nothing but tantalize people and play the 
fool. But there must be an end to this ! He 
destroys all my peace of mind, and leaves me 
no rest ! Indeed, I must have a serious talk 
with him. He is a real hobgoblin.” 

“ He appears to me rather like a magician 
behind the curtain, who will not let himself be 
seen until "the right time comes,” said the 
pastor’s wife, laughing. “ It seems to me that 
I can alnlost see through him, and we will 
soon see whether I have not guessed right. 
Do you know, dear Gotthold, that I promise 
myself a very pleasant meal at our neigh- 
bor’s?” 

I can hardly feel as you do,” replied the 

18 


2o6 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


good pastor. “ Our neighbor has always 
been a little proud and stiff towards us. Ele- 
gant and costly the meal may be, but pleasant 
and unrestrained — that I shall seriously doubt 
until I know more. But what do you con- 
jecture, Elizabeth? What discovery do you 
think you have made ? ” 

The pastor’s wife, with a roguish smile, 
placed her finger upon her lips. “ The secret is 
guessed, but not discovered,” replied she, mys- 
teriously. *^And besides, I may be mistaken, 
and in that case do not want to be laughed 
at. Only one question more : do you believe, 
Gotthold, that your brother Kurt is very rich?” 

The good pastor listened with great atten- 
tion. “ Rich ? Kurt ? Why do you think 
so? I think not. He may have enough to 
live upon, for, if I mistake not, he said some- 
thing to this effect. But, rich ? That I very 
much doubt. If rich, why should he have 
concealed it ? ” 


THE PASTOR LOSES HIS FLOWERS. 20/ 

“ But the strange courtesy and complaisance 
of the banker !” suggested Elizabeth. “ There 
must be a reason Jbr it.” 

“ That is true. But why should this reason 
be Kurt’s supposed wealth ? No, dear Eliza- 
beth, there is doubtless some other reason. 
Brother Kurt rich? I cannot imagine it.” 

Well, well, I may be mistaken,” said 
Mrs. Gotthold. '‘After all, this guessing 
amounts to nothing, and meanwhile the coffee 
is getting cold. If you are satisfied about 
your flowers, dear Gotthold, let us go to 
breakfast.” 

The whole family were soon seated at the 
breakfast-table, and many were the conjectures 
that were formed concerning the splendor 
that would be witnessed at the villa. The 
hours that intervened between breakfast and 
noon passed rapidly in various occupations, 
and precisely at twelve o’clock our friends 
were on the march to their neighbor’s. Now 


208 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


they found the garden-gate wide open, and at 
the entrance of the park were Uncle Kurt and 
the banker Meierheim, who gave the guests a 
hearty welcome. 




CHAPTER XV. 

SURPRISES OF ALL KINDS. 

T TNCLE KURT was in the best humor. 
^ He talked gayly with his sister-in-law, 
joked and frolicked with the children, and in 
this manner conjured away all the embarrass- 
ment which, at first, the members of the 
pastor’s family had felt. All were cheerful 
when they reached the villa, which was richly 
adorned with garlands, as if for a grand 
festival. Uncle Kurt, who appeared to be 
quite at home, led the party into the dining- 
* hall, where, to their no little surprise, several 
other guests were assembled. Pastor Gott- 
hold was acquainted with all of them. They 
were the superintendent; a member of the 
i8* ( 209 ) O 


210 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


Consistorium from the city, the one who had 
always shown himself the friend of the pastor 
of Libenau, and had given him much good 
advice ; then, the wives and children of these 
two gentlemen ; and last, an old lady who sat 
timidly in a distant part of the room. To this 
old lady pastor Gotthold hastened at once, 
with his wife, and shook hands heartily; for 
she was the widow of his noble friend, Jacobi, 
whose memory he had ever cherished most 
faithfully. When he had expressed his joy in 
having found her here so unexpectedly, he 
was about to ask her how this had come to 
pass ; but brother Kurt hurried him away, and 
prevented him from saying anything more. 

“ To table ! To table ! ” said he, hastily. 
“You, dear brother, will sit between the two 
reverend gentlemen, and 1 will sit opposite, 
between my dear sister-in-law and good Mrs. 
Jacobi. But be quick, for they are waiting for 


us. 


SURPRISES OF ALL KINDS. 


2II 


There was no help for it ; all had to obey. 
Those of ripe years took their places at one 
end of the table, while the children were all 
seated at the other end. Pastor Gotthold found 
himself very comfortable, for his two neigh- 
bors were unusually pleasant and friendly. 
The time passed rapidly in small talk, mingled 
with much pleasantry and many a laugh, 
and good wishes were freely exchanged — 
when suddenly the folding doors of the 
dining-hall were thrown open, and a richly- 
dressed servant with a tray in his hand ap- 
proached pastor Gotthold, amid the profound 
silence of the entire company, who naturally 
supposed that something unusual was about 
to take place. 

^‘A letter for the pastor, with the request 
that it be delivered immediately,” said the 
servant, bowing respectfully. 

Pastor Gotthold took the letter, opened it, 
ran over it hastily with his eyes, and a joyful 


212 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


surprise was pictured on his beaming fea- 
tures. 

“ I thank you for this,” said he to the super- 
intendent; and then turning to his wife, con- 
tinued, “ Rejoice with me, for our worthy 
prince relieves us, from this hour, of all anx- 
iety concerning the education of our children. 
My salary is doubled, and with glad hearts we 
can now contemplate the future.” 

A look of universal pleasure followed these 
words. Good wishes came from every side, 
and all the children, with the rest, surrounded 
the good pastor, whose heart was deeply 
moved at this proof of rejoicing sympathy. 

“ Enough, enough, dear friends and chil- 
dren,” said he at length. “ Let us now thank 
the superintendent ; for he it is, without doubt, 
who has prepared this pleasant surprise for us.” 

“ Not me, dear pastor,” replied the superin- 
tendent, “ but thank your own long-continued 
and unwearied zeal in the performance of your 


SURPRISES OF ALL KINDS. 213 

duties. For a long time the prince has known 
your worth, and has only been waiting for an 
opportunity to give you a proof of his feel- 
ings. This opportunity has occurred. When 
your neighbor, Mr. Meierheim, sold his place, 
to which the assent of the prince was requisite, 
he did not fail to extol your quiet fidelity, and 
to remind him how long it had been over- 
looked. His highness sent for me, and the 
result is the letter that has already been 
handed you. All that I have done has been 
to hasten the matter a little, so as to add to 
the pleasure of this festive occasion.” 

Greatly astonished, the pastor looked at the 
banker — for the sale of the villa was a sudden 
and surprising revelation. “ Is it possible ?” 
he exclaimed. “Are you no longer our neigh- 
bor, Mr. Meierheim ? And who then has 
taken your place ?” 

“Are you not yet able to guess?” replied 
the banker, smiling. “Well, then, we will 


214 the parsonage of libenau. 

have to uncover the secret after all. Listen, 
worthy friends, while I introduce to you the 
new proprietor of the villa, Mr. Kurt Gotthold, 
also known as Mr. Van Buren ! ” 

“You, brother? You my neighbor!” ex- 
claimed the pastor, superlatively happy, and 
hastened round the table to fold his brother in 
his arms. “ Oh, now I understand all, all 1 
Therefore the mysterious transactions with 
Mr. Meierheim, therefore the invitation of to- 
day to dine at our neighbor’s, therefore broth- 
er’s journey to the city, and the secret removal 
of my flower-pots out of the garden 1 That I 
call a happy surprise, brother Kurt. And 
now you will always remain here, and belong 
to our neighborhood. Ah, brother, you do 
not know how happy this makes me. But 
how was all this brought about so quickly ?” 

“You shall know as soon as there is a little 
less confusion,” replied Uncle Kurt, smiling. 
“ It has all happened in a very natural way. 


SURPRISES OF ALL KINDS. 215 

and without the least witchcraft. But how is 
it with you, sister ?” said he, turning suddenly 
to the pastor’s wife. “ Are you also satisfied 
with your new neighbor ?” 

“Do you ask whether I feel joyful and 
happy ?” said she, with tears of deep emotion. 
“ How can I feel otherwise when there is so 
much happiness for my dear husband — for us 
all? But I surmised something of this kind 
early this morning, ai>d I now see that my 
suspicions did not deceive me. How happily 
we will live together in the future.” 

“Yes, that I hope,” said Uncle Kurt, in 
glad confidence, and embraced his nephews 
and his niece, who were jumping around him, 
full of excitement. “ I see already,” said he 
to them, “ that you are quite willing to have 
me for a neighbor, and I am sure we will 
always live together as neighbors should. On 
my part there shall be nothing to prevent it, 
and on your part quite as little, I am certain. 


2i6 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


But now, every one in his place. I owe it to 
my honored guests to give them, briefly, all 
the information they have requested.” 

These words acted like a charm upon all 
who were present. They were again seated, 
and Uncle Kurt began at once. 

“ When I returned from the distant Indies 
to my ever-loved home, I made most diligent 
inquiries in the city concerning my relatives, 
among whom I desired to spend the rest of 
my days. When I learned that my brother 
Ephraim was still living and had a family, and 
that his worldly means were very limited, and 
why it was that he had never held a better 
position, I called on our worthy friends, the 
superintendent and the member of the Con- 
sistorium who is with us to-day, and not only 
heard them speak of my brother in terms of 
the highest praise, but, to my great joy, was 
assured that steps had already been taken for 
the material improvement of his circumstances. 


SURPRISES OF ALL KINDS. 21/ 

I was also informed that our worthy guest, 
Mr. Meierheim, wished to sell his villa at 
Libenau ; and nothing could have been more 
welcome to me than the opportunity thus 
afforded of settling near my brother. Mr. 
Meierheim and myself had already transacted 
some preliminaries when I came here to find 
my brother, and at the same time to look at 
the situation of the villa, so that if it pleased 
me the bargain might be closed at once. And 
besides, I wished to pump my good brother a 
little, so as to learn something of his hopes 
and wishes, and shape my plans accordingly. 
Everything turned out as I desired. Mr. 
Meierheim and I soon came to terms, and he 
went to the city at once to obtain the consent 
of the prince to the sale of the property, and 
at the same time to hasten the increase of my 
brother’s salary. Here also everything went 
according to our wishes, and last evening Mr. 
Meierheim returned from the city and brought 


19 


2T8 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


me the letter that has been handed to my 
brother this evening, and also the promise that 
the superintendent and the Chancellor of the 
Consistorium would join us to-day at our 
family gathering. Bio had already brought to 
me good Mrs. Jacobi, who has consented to 
superintend hereafter my domestic arrange- 
ments ; and so all was done that could con- 
tribute to the pleasure and entertainment of 
my esteemed guests. And now I thank you 
all for your presence, and for your kind feel- 
ings towards myself, and ask you all to unite 
in the wish that the pleasant gathering of to- 
day may be often renewed, and that the hours 
we hereafter spend together may all be as 
happy as these. If agreeable to you, my 
friends, accompany me now to the garden. 
We must see what has become of my broth- 
er’s flowers, and whether he is satisfied with 
their arrangement in the conservatory, which 
from this hour is to be his.” 


SURPRISES OF ALL KINDS. 2ig 

“ The beautiful conservatory to belong to 
me ? ” exclaimed the good pastor, quite beside 
himself. ^‘You are jesting with me, brother 
Kurt.” 

“It is no jest, brother Ephraim,” replied 
Uncle Kurt, cheerfully. “ The conservatory is 
and will remain yours ; and besides, you can 
build a half dozen more if you choose; for, 
thanks to him who bestows all our blessings, 
we need not fear the expense.” 

“Are you rich, then, brother ? Really rich ?” 
asked the astonished pastor. 

“Yes, Ephraim, rich enough to deny our- 
selves no reasonable wish. But this is a 
secondary consideration. The principal thing 
is, that we can enjoy the gifts of God with 
thankful hearts and a clean conscience; for we 
can both say that we have truly endeavored to 
follow the counsel of our honored father, 
under all circumstances to do our duty. 
Therefore, the divine blessing rests upon us ; 


220 


THE PARSONAGE OF LIBENAU. 


and let this stimulate us to bring up your 
children also in the fear of the Lord, so that in 
all the future of their lives they will love and 
serve him. May the Lord help us thus to 
guide them ! ” 

Then all went into the park, and the good 
pastor’s eyes sparkled with delight as he 
entered the conservatory, and found his flowers 
in the most perfect order. Thus the day 
passed peacefully and joyfully. And when 
the shadows of evening fell upon the landscape 
there was another surprise. Uncle Kurt led 
his guests from the park into the villa again, 
and, when the doors were opened, a dazzling 
light beamed out of the drawing-room, and the 
gleam of a hundred wax candles shone upon 
several tables, which were spread with all sorts 
of beautiful presents. 

‘‘ But what does this mean ? ” inquired the 
pastor’s wife, taken altogether by surprise. 

It means,” replied Uncle Kurt, smiling, as 


SURPRISES OF ALL KINDS. 


221 


he led his sister-in-law to one of the tables, 

that Uncle Kurt is doing his duty in accom- 
plishing a purpose which for years he has had 
in his mind, but has not been able to fulfill. 
Help yourselves, children ; these are the 
Christmas and birthday gifts which Uncle 
Kurt has brought for you from India.” 

And now there was renewed rejoicing 
among the children, as they stood at the 
tables, and wondered at the rich and beautiful 
presents. But the good pastor, with tears of 
deep emotion in his eyes, stammered : “ Too 
much ! Too much ! ” 

Then Uncle Kurt entwined his arm around 
his neck, and whispered : “ Rejoice with those 
who rejoice ! All blessings come from above, 
and what the Lord gives should make his 
people glad. Only tell me whether you feel 
happy, dear brother.” 

“ Happy and thankful in the Lord,” replied 
the pastor, out of a full heart, and with a glad 

look toward heaven. 

19* 


222 


THE PARSONAGE- OF LIBENAU. 


“And how happy and thankful we ought all 
to be,” added the pastor’s wife, “ when God’s 
gifts thus drop down and overwhelm us, whilst 
we, during our whole lives, have done nothing 
more than our duty.” 

“To all such,” said the superintendent, 
cheerfully, “ is the grace of God sure ; for it is 
written, ‘The Lord is a sun and shield; the 
Lord will give grace and glory ; no good thing 
will he withhold from them that walk up- 
rightly.’ ” 











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